A small book, big impact

I have been reciting the Hanuman Chalisa for most of my life. I had learnt it by heart when I was very young, and since then, it has quietly remained a part of my daily routine.

A few years ago, my little brother gifted me a very thin, sleek pocket-sized version of the Hanuman Chalisa. I respectfully kept it in the small purse I carry everywhere. Since I already knew the Chalisa by heart, the little book remained untouched. It travelled with me, but I never really opened it.

Then, one day, a few close friends and I happened to get together. There was no plan, no agenda—just one of those spontaneous meetings that come together on their own. Somewhere in our random conversations, we started discussing Lord Hanuman, His strength and His powers. Naturally, the conversation moved towards the Hanuman Chalisa.

That was when I took out my little pocket book with a certain sense of pride. Someone suggested that I read it once.

It was a simple suggestion. Yet, something about that evening stayed with me.

When I returned home, I settled into my comfortable corner and took the little book out of my purse. For the first time since my brother had given it to me, I opened it—not just to recite it, but to read it.

I read the book from cover to cover.

And somehow, that evening marked the beginning of a new routine.

From then on, reading the Hanuman Chalisa became a part of my everyday life.

Usually, I am a calm person. But for a few months before this, I had been carrying a strange sense of anxiety and nervousness. There was an uneasiness that I couldn't quite explain.

Slowly, I noticed a change.

The anxiety began to fade. I felt calmer, happier and more grounded. I found myself reconnecting with my own energy—the energy to dream, to create and to make a bigger impact in life.

Was it the words? The faith? The routine? Or simply the peace that comes from pausing every day and connecting with something beyond yourself?

Perhaps it doesn't really matter.

Sometimes, life doesn't need a dramatic turning point. Sometimes, all we need is a small nudge—a person, a conversation, a little book that has been sitting quietly in our purse—or simply a reminder to return to something that brings us peace.

We just need someone or something to show us a path.

And when we choose to walk that path with faith, it may lead us exactly where we needed to be.