Neem Karoli Baba, an Indian spiritual leader known for his teachings on love, mindfulness, and selfless service, has inspired some of the world’s most influential figures. His legacy transcends borders, offering profound guidance to tech moguls, athletes, artists, and spiritual seekers alike. Figures such as Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Jack Dorsey, Virat Kohli, and Anushka Sharma have credited his philosophy with influencing their personal and professional lives.
In the mid-1970s, Steve Jobs visited Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram in Kainchi, Uttarakhand, during a formative period in his life. Although Baba had passed away in 1973, Jobs was deeply moved by the ashram’s atmosphere and the teachings shared by his followers.
The experience profoundly shaped his outlook, emphasizing simplicity and focus principles that later defined Apple’s iconic design philosophy. Jobs’ connection to the ashram was so impactful that he recommended it to others, including Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg.
Mark Zuckerberg visited Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram in 2015, following Steve Jobs’ suggestion. At the time, Zuckerberg faced immense pressure as Facebook scaled its operations. The trip provided him with much-needed clarity and renewed purpose, which he has since described as a pivotal moment in his life. The spiritual guidance he found at the ashram helped him navigate challenges with balance and vision, underscoring the enduring relevance of Neem Karoli Baba’s teachings.
Although Jack Dorsey has not visited the ashram, his advocacy for mindfulness and meditation aligns closely with Neem Karoli Baba’s philosophy. As the co-founder of Twitter and Square, Dorsey has frequently emphasized the importance of inner peace and self-awareness—principles that resonate with Baba’s teachings. This mindfulness-oriented approach has enabled him to remain grounded while leading global enterprises, demonstrating the universal applicability of Neem Karoli Baba’s wisdom.
Neem Karoli Baba’s influence extends beyond the tech world. In July 2023, Indian cricketer Virat Kohli and actress Anushka Sharma visited the ashram with their daughter. Kohli has credited the spiritual teachings with helping him stay focused and composed during high-pressure moments in his career.
Hollywood actress Julia Roberts, who embraced Hinduism, and eBay co-founder Jeffrey Skoll have also acknowledged the transformative power of Neem Karoli Baba’s philosophy. Works such as Miracle of Love by Ram Dass, one of Baba’s disciples, have further disseminated his teachings worldwide.
Neem Karoli Baba’s philosophy centers on timeless principles that continue to inspire individuals across generations:
Today, his spiritual legacy continues to guide countless seekers on their journey toward personal growth and enlightenment.
