Evaluating The Hanuman Chalisa as a Guiding Text for Youth: A Critical Study

Abstract

Youth in the twenty-first century face previously unheard-of difficulties due to the quick changes in the social, technological, and educational spheres. Scholars and educators are questioning whether modern education sufficiently supports moral development and psychological well-being in light of growing academic pressure, career uncertainty, digital dependency, identity confusion, and ethical ambiguity. As a result, traditional texts have attracted renewed attention from academics as possible sources of moral wisdom and emotional fortitude. One such work that has had a significant cultural impact on successive generations is the Hanuman Chalisa, written by Goswami Tulsidas during the Bhakti movement. Traditionally approached as a devotional hymn, The Hanuman Chalisa has rarely been subjected to sustained academic analysis as a guiding text for youth. This PhD-level research paper critically evaluates the text through ethical, psychological, cultural, and educational lenses. Employing a qualitative, interpretive methodology grounded in interdisciplinary scholarship, the study examines how values such as courage, humility, discipline, devotion, and selfless service are articulated symbolically within the text. Rather than adopting a theological or devotional approach, the paper interprets the text as a cultural artifact capable of contributing to value-based education and youth development when contextualized appropriately. The study makes the case that even though The Hanuman Chalisa has its roots in a particular religious tradition, its moral symbolism is still applicable to young people today who are dealing with moral and emotional difficulties. The paper also critically recognizes the text's shortcomings in addressing contemporary issues like pluralism, gender equality, and digital ethics. The study comes to the conclusion that, when interpreted critically, inclusively, and pedagogically rather than devotionally, the Hanuman Chalisa can serve as an additional text of guidance for young people.