Hanuman's service to Rama was marked by humility despite his immense power-he never sought personal glory, only the fulfilment of his duty

As the first light kissed the ancient stones of Haridwar, vapours rose from our mouths like silent prayers into the crisp January air. The Ganges flowed with a gentle murmur, carrying centuries of devotion past Har ki Pauri's weathered steps. In this pre-dawn stillness, my friend and I stood among hundreds of devotees.

The morning Aarti began with the soft tinkling of bells, swelling into a symphony that seemed to make the very air vibrate with divine energy. Around us, devotees raised their hands in unified prayer, their collective faith creating an invisible warmth that defied the winter chill. The brass diyas cast flickering shadows on faces transformed by devotion, each flame a beacon in the lingering darkness.

Through the corner of my eye, I saw my usually talkative friend transformed into a pillar of silence. His eyes, fixed on the ceremony, held a depth I had never seen before. Even when our shoulders touched in the swaying crowd, he remained immersed in a connection that transcended physical awareness. Before us, the sacred waters carried their own ceremony-brave souls descending into the freezing embrace of Mother Ganga, their gasps turning into smiles of blessed contentment as the icy water touched their skin.

As we walked away from the Aarti, the familiar verses of the Hanuman Chalisa floated through the air from a nearby temple. The moment took me back to a profound lecture delivered at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) by Director General Surendra Nath Tripathi. A retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1985 Odisha cadre.

During his lecture, Shri Tripathi had eloquently drawn parallels between Hanuman's qualities and the attributes of an ideal public servant. His deep reverence for Hanuman was evident-not just as a deity but as a timeless embodiment of dedication, wisdom, and service.

I nudged my friend's elbow, but he remained lost in contemplation. Finally, he broke his silence, his voice tinged with reverence. "Hanuman's power was not in his physical strength but in his absolute devotion to Rama. His service was his power."

The words hung in the crisp morning air as we settled on the riverbank, watching pilgrims change into dry clothes after their sacred dip. Their movements created ripples in the water that caught the growing daylight. It reminded me of Shri Tripathi's insights-how Hanuman's unwavering focus, his ability to listen deeply, and his strategic acumen were qualities that modern leaders must embody. Hanuman exemplifies deep listening through his complete devotion to understanding Ram's mission. He doesn't just hear instructions but comprehends the deeper purpose, demonstrating active engagement and complete understanding.

Like Hanuman, who carried an entire mountain when he could not identify a single herb, today's public servants must often find creative solutions to complex problems. As Hanuman leaped across the ocean in search of Sita, undeterred by challenges, so must those in governance navigate obstacles with resilience and agility. Shri Tripathi had emphasisaed that a true leader, much like Hanuman, must build bridges-connecting communities, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring that no one is left unheard.

Hanuman's service to Rama was marked by humility despite his immense power-he never sought personal glory, only the fulfilment of his duty. Shri Tripathi had spoken about how governance, at its core, is not about authority but about selfless service. A public servant, he stressed, must wield power with humility, ensuring that policies and initiatives are executed with integrity and a deep sense of responsibility.

In his service to Rama, Hanuman exemplified inspirational leadership, his very presence uplifting those around him. He encouraged and motivated, reminding his fellow warriors of their strength. A true public servant, Shri Tripathi had noted, must similarly lead by example, inspiring change through action rather than mere words.

Yet Hanuman was not just a warrior-he was a strategist, an innovator. His creativity shone when he set Lanka ablaze with his burning tail, turning adversity into an advantage. In governance, as Shri Tripathi highlighted, problem-solving requires a similar inventive spirit, where obstacles are met with ingenuity rather than hesitation.

His emotional intelligence was just as remarkable-when he met Sita in Ashok Vatika, he comforted her, offering hope and reassurance. Understanding emotions, building trust, and resolving conflicts are just as crucial in governance today as they were in his time. Shri Tripathi's keen analytical thinking and his ability to balance empathy with strategy have been central to his leadership across ministries and institutions.

Through every mission, Hanuman remained grounded in humility. Despite his immense strength and intelligence, he never wavered from his core purpose-serving Rama. This, Shri Tripathi had pointed out, is the hallmark of true leadership: to serve without expectation of reward, to work tirelessly for the greater good, and to uphold integrity in every action.

This morning in Haridwar had revealed a profound truth-that true service, whether to the divine or to society, stems from the same source: unwavering dedication. Just as Hanuman's devotion to Rama transformed him from a powerful being into an immortal symbol of selfless service, public servants have the opportunity to transform their official duties into acts of sacred service to society.

Their power lies not in their position but in their dedication to service, their willingness to work tirelessly for the greater good, and their ability to remain humble despite their authority.

The morning's experience had deepened our understanding of both divine and public service. As we left Har ki Pauri, the sound of the Ganges followed us-a constant reminder that like her eternal flows.

As we walked away from the riverbank, the golden morning light reflected off the waters, casting a shimmering path ahead. Just as Hanuman once leaped across the ocean to fulfil his duty, each step taken in service-whether in governance, society, or personal life-creates ripples that extend far beyond what the eye can see.

—The author’s views are personal. The author is a civil servant at the Ministry of Defence and a spiritual speaker