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The Canada Literature Festival (CLF) 2026 has honored Indian-American author Yakub Mathew with the prestigious Creative Book of the Year Award for his “thought-provoking” book, Seeking the Infinite: MahaKumbh 2025, which explores themes of “faith, philosophy and the inner journey.”
The award was presented on May 14, 2026, during the festival in Brampton. According to a statement, the recognition highlights the book’s “profound contribution to contemporary global literature and spiritual discourse.”
At the heart of the recognition is the Canada Literature Festival’s broader mission of celebrating storytelling that transcends geographic and cultural boundaries. According to the festival’s narrative, “stories travel. They cross borders, languages, and generations, shaping how we see the world and each other.” That philosophy is reflected in New York-based Mathew’s work, which blends personal experience with philosophical exploration.
“Seeking the Infinite draws inspiration from the Maha Kumbh Mela of 2025 held in Prayag (Allahabad) — an event widely regarded as one of the largest spiritual gatherings in human history,” the statement said. “The book is not merely a travelogue, but rather a reflective chronicle combining narrative, photography, and philosophical insights. It chronicles a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey and transforms that experience into a broader meditation on existence, consciousness, and faith.”
The work is noted for its interdisciplinary and interfaith perspective. It includes “contributions and reflections” from thinkers representing diverse traditions, creating what the statement describes as a tapestry of voices examining humanity’s enduring questions. Festival literature characterizes the book as a “meditation on faith, humanity, and the eternal questions that define us.”
The book’s structure also reflects a broader trend in contemporary global literature toward hybrid narratives that combine memoir, philosophy, and cultural observation.
According to the statement, Mathew’s journey to the Maha Kumbh in India was “spontaneous yet transformative.” The experience led him and his companions to confront questions such as: “Who am I? What is the nature of consciousness? What is the purpose of existence?” These themes form the foundation of the narrative, elevating the work beyond a travel account into a broader exploration of meaning and spirituality.
The CLF, organized by the Indo-Canada Arts Council and founded in 2014, recognized the book not only for its literary merit but also for its role in fostering intercultural dialogue. Seeking the Infinite resonates with readers across cultures through its exploration of identity, belonging, spirituality, and meaning within a richly detailed cultural setting.
The Creative Book of the Year Award acknowledges both literary innovation and cultural impact. By recognizing Mathew’s work, the statement noted, CLF is underscoring the growing importance of literature that bridges traditions and promotes mutual understanding. The honor also reflects the increasing global visibility of Indian diaspora voices in contemporary literature.
At a time when public discourse is often marked by division, Seeking the Infinite offers a message rooted in reflection and unity. The book encourages readers to explore the “infinite within,” echoing themes that are both timeless and deeply relevant today.
Related posts:
Yakub Mathew to Launch “Seeking the Infinite: Maha Kumbh 2025” at IAAC Literary Festival in New York
Book Review: “Mahakumbh” A Mighty Event, A Mighty Book
Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar to Preside Over Launch of Yakub Mathew’s ‘Seeking The Infinite’ at IIC
Yakub Mathew Unveils “Seeking the Infinite: Maha Kumbh 2025” at Indo-American Arts Council Literary Festival in New York
