3 minute read
IDY 2020
Distanced, Yet Connected
Rahul Agrawal from Melbourne translates Hanuman Chalissa in English for kids.
The Hanuman Chalisa is a Hindu devotional hymn addressed to Lord Hanuman. It has been authored by the 16th-century poet Tulsidas in the Awadhi language. The most popular hymn in praise of Lord Hanuman, Hanuman Chalisa is recited by millions of Hindus every day across the globe. It is a very popular belief that chanting the Chalisa invokes Hanuman’s divine intervention in grave problems.
IT Consultant by profession, Rahul Agrawal lives in Melbourne. He belongs to the state of Jharkhand in India where he grew up reciting Hanuman Chalisa.
Rahul says “When we think of Hanuman ji, we think of strength as he can fly, can jump over oceans and can even lift the mountains, but at the same time there is abundant scope to learn humility from him. Despite all the powers he had, he was the biggest devotee of Sri Ram.
Hanuman ji was also very knowledgeable and was an expert in all four vedas. He is an ocean of knowledge and wisdom.”
Rahul wanted to teach the same to his son Arjun as he felt this was certainly one of the ways to keep Arjun connected to his origin, culture and tradition. Born and brought up in Australia, like a number of other kids in this age group, Arjun was not able to understand Hindi well. When Rahul saw that his son’s interest grew in learning more about the content of hanuman Chalisa, he made every effort to explain each word to his son in English by using a Whiteboard and making it interesting for him so he does not lose interest. Soon Arjun started listening to Hanuman Chalisa all the time even while driving with his dad and now he can recite all the lines of this hymn with an ease that would evoke anyone’s admiration.
Rahul decided to share his explanations and interpretation of the verses in the chant with his friends in case their kids wanted to learn too. He received a positive response and decided to publish the book himself as it’d hard to find similar books in the market that could explain Hanuman Chalisa to young kids in English.
After six months of online research and gaining some knowledge from his elders, Rahul sought help from family and friends with the illustrations as well as design and the book was ready to be published.
The Book “Hanuman Chalisa for Kids” was launched on 5th Aug, coinciding with the auspicious day of Bhoomi Pujan of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
The book has been promoted on Facebook and has received a great response from parents.
money from this, we only want more kids to learn about our ancient, rich Indian texts,”
“Hanuman ji is relevant in these difficult times when the whole world is struggling to cope with the Corona Virus, reading Hanuman Chalisa can give tremendous inner strength” says Rahul.
This is a very good medium for the parents who want to teach their kids Hanuman Chalisa. The book is available worldwide on Amazon. com.
By: Rajni Ghai Malhotra
The 6th International Day of Yoga (IDY2020) was celebrated at the High Commission of India, Canberra on the International Day of Yoga 21 June 2020 amidst the easing restrictions of COVID-19 in the ACT.
The High Commissioner of India, H.E. Mr Gitesh Sarma alongwith his wife Mrs Ratnamala Sarma, diplomats and guests of the mission participated in the yoga and meditation session led by Ms Rajni Ghai Malhotra on the pristine grounds of the Chancery. The event commenced indoors with the invitees watching a relay of the address by the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi on the occasion. H.E. Mr Gitesh Sarma addressed the gathering noting the popularity and practice of Yoga in Australia followed by a few words by the Deputy High Commissioner of India Mr P S Karthigeyan.
It was a chilly Canberra morning but the spirit of yoga kept everyone warm.
