New Delhi [India], September 24 (ANI): A fresh lyrical and singable English translation of Goswami Tulsidas’ Sri Hanuman Chalisa by poet-diplomat Abhay K. was unveiled on Tuesday at the IILM campus in New Delhi. The launch featured an engaging dialogue between Ambassador Abhay K. and Prof. Rajendra Srivastava, former Dean of the Indian School of Business, who moderated the discussion.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Abhay K. reflected on his early introduction to the Hanuman Chalisa through his parents, a practice he has upheld since childhood. He explained that the inspiration for this translation arose from interactions with members of the Indian diaspora who wished to sing the Chalisa but could not read it in its original Devanagari script.
“My rendition is multilayered and deep. It can be read at different levels. It is essential reading not only for devotees but also for politicians, diplomats, and management gurus. At the heart of the Hanuman Chalisa lies Hanuman’s humility. Despite his power, he remains a servant of Shri Ram, a skilled alliance maker, and a loyal friend and troubleshooter,” he said.
Prof. Srivastava highlighted that Hanuman’s leadership style offers valuable lessons for the management community, describing him as an exemplar of “leading from the back.”
The event drew a distinguished audience, including Ambassador Sang Woo Lim, Deputy Chief of Mission of South Korea in India; nine-time European Parliamentarian Herve Juvin; IILM Board Chairman Anil Rai; senior faculty members; and leaders from diverse fields. Attendees shared their favourite chaupais from the Chalisa and reflected on its timeless relevance.
Abhay K.’s bilingual translation allows non-Hindi speakers to connect deeply with the hymn’s core values of humility and devotion. In a symbolic gesture, Pravaig Dynamics and Kutniti co-founder Ram Divedi read from his father’s French rendition of the Chalisa and presented a copy to the author.
Published by Bloomsbury India, the book aspires to bring the 16th-century devotional classic into the global mainstream, making its spiritual and philosophical essence accessible to readers across cultures and generations.
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