A 25-ft-high Lord Hanuman at Argaghat Sarvajanik Kalimandir. Picture by Shahnawaz Akhtar (below) A man dresses up as Bajrangbali at a procession near Albert Ekka Chowk. Picture by Manik Bose

What about Lance Armstrong? He fought cancer and managed to win seven Tour de France titles. He is a youth icon, as he has strength of character and not just muscle power, — Kumar Abhishek, third-year manufacturing engineering, National Institute of Foundry and Forge Technology (NIFFT), Ranchi.

Would you call Superman or Spiderman a youth icon? Why is one focussing on Hanuman, who is there only on the TV or in grandmother’s fables? Why not a real life hero? — Saurabh Singh (20), Jamshedpur boy studying in Bangalore.

Among all the young people spoken to across the state, Hanuman still enjoys an iconic status. But, when it comes to youth icons most young people, like Kumar and Saurabh, would prefer flesh-and-blood characters, rather than a mystical and mythical hero.

However, like always there are exceptions. “Earlier, when we were young, we would pretend to be a part of Lord Rama’s army and stage fake wars based on the tales of Ramayana. Nowadays scarcity of real space means Hanuman enjoys more freedom on cyber-space. But youngsters have not forgotten their hero,” believes Ratanlal Agrawal, a resident of Sonari, Jamshedpur.

Narendra Patel, a budding Jamshedpur businessman, finds all the humane qualities in the Pavan Putra.

“For me Hanuman is the perfect icon. By reading the legendary miracles depicted in the Ramayana, we are inspired to be honest and to work for the welfare of the society,” says Patel, while talking to The Telegraph.

In Jamshedpur, four out of 10 people admitted that they read the Hanuman Chaleesa occasionally.

Narendra Patel, claimed to be a regular and knew almost all the legendary tales of Lord Hanuman, by heart.

“I have to sing the Chaleesa every day, as it makes me feel peaceful,” claimed Patel.In Ranchi, though students considered honesty, dedication and strength that Lord Hanuman embodies to be especially commendable qualities, they admitted that they would rather see those qualities in “real” people from every day life.

Many admitted that Lord Hanuman was re-introduced to the youth after the recent animated flick Hanuman that became hugely successful. Shivangi, an engineering student of BIT Mesra said with a laugh: “I did not know much about Hanuman till I saw the animated film on him. I was then aware than he was also known for his loyalty and honesty other than his super human strength.”

“Youths remember divine beings before the examinations. Visits to temples happen before the examinations. It would be safer to say that Hanuman may enjoy popularity, but he is not exactly an icon,” felt M. Manya, a management student of BIT-Mesra, Ranchi.

But, not even for once should one believe that there are no takers for religious lore at the tech-hubs.

Saurabh Singh Roy, an MCA student of BIT-Lalpur Extension, Ranchi, believes that his days are incomplete with out the Hanuman Chaleesa. “I read it after the morning bath every day,” he adds.

For others, if Hanuman is no icon for the youth, it’s because today’s youth are a whimsical lot.

“As far as loyalties are concerned, ours (youth’s) keeps fluctuating. As we are a confused lot. If there will be a lot of talk on Hanuman tomorrow we may make him our hero. But for now celebrities take a big slice of the fame cake. But, I can clearly state that in today’s world inner potential and strength holds more power than the brute physical force that Hanuman personifies,” adds a BIT-Mesra student.

Raj Ashish, agrees that today’s youth looks at different parameters in their icons.

“My icon is my father. I know a little bit of the legend of Hanuman that I heard from my grandmother. For me the loyalty, devotion and strength that he had for Rama is what I have towards my parents,” added Ashish. Amrita Sharma, a first-year graduation student of St Xavier’s College sums it up. “Perhaps, today’s youth should look at Lord Hanuman to derive the strength to fight against the many social evils.”

By Kumud Jenamani & Arti Sahuliyar