Riya Gote is the founder of Scriberlee, a global branding firm, and an accomplished content creator, ghostwriter, and leadership trainer. With a Master’s in International Business and a background in Engineering, Riya blends strategy and creativity to make an impact. Her expertise in self-awareness and personal branding has led her to train professionals worldwide, including military leaders. Riya’s work has been featured in Forbes India and CXO Magazine, and her accolades include the “Iron Lady of India” title and Young Marketer of the Year 2024. In The Hanuman’s Diary: Mantras. Meanings. Manifestations., she shares profound spiritual insights through Lord Hanuman’s reflections.
The Literature Times: What inspired you to write The Hanuman’s Diary: Mantras. Meanings. Manifestations?
Riya Gote : The inspiration for The Hanuman’s Diary stemmed from my own spiritual journey. I realized that many people chant the Hanuman Chalisa and Bajrang Baan without fully understanding their profound meanings. I wanted to create a resource that not only explains the deeper significance behind each verse but also empowers readers to connect with Lord Hanuman on a more intimate, transformative level. This book is my offering to those seeking both spiritual growth and clarity through these divine mantras.
The Literature Times: How did you envision the idea of Hanuman writing a diary from the year 101, and how did you blend that historical angle with spiritual insights?
Riya Gote : The idea of Lord Hanuman writing a diary emerged as a way to create a personal connection with his teachings. I imagined him documenting his reflections over the years, from ancient times to today, sharing not only his divine experiences but also his insights on faith, strength, and devotion. Blending this historical angle with spiritual insights allowed me to craft a narrative that felt timeless, offering readers both context and guidance in a format that resonates with modern life.
The Literature Times: In the book, you explore the deeper meanings of mantras. Could you share one mantra that had a profound impact on your life and how it transformed you?
Riya Gote : || Jai Shri Ram|| – This simple yet powerful mantra has had a profound impact on my life. Chanting it has been a source of immense peace, grounding, and strength. It has helped me overcome moments of doubt and fear, and the more I understand its meaning, the more I connect with its divine power. “Jai Shri Ram” is not just a mantra, but a reminder of deep faith, resilience, and the power of surrender. It continues to guide me on my spiritual journey, inspiring me to live with devotion and purpose.
The Literature Times: You mention that the true power of mantras lies in their deeper meanings. Could you elaborate on this concept and how readers can unlock that power?
Riya Gote : The true power of mantras is revealed when we go beyond mere recitation. It involves grasping the deeper meaning behind the words and embracing the divine qualities they invoke. Each mantra carries a distinct vibration that connects us to the divine. Reflecting on its meaning and chanting with devotion allows readers to align their energy with these divine qualities, leading to transformation in their spiritual journey and personal growth.
The Literature Times: As someone who specializes in self-awareness and leadership training, how do you think Lord Hanuman’s teachings can contribute to modern leadership principles?
Riya Gote : Lord Hanuman’s teachings emphasize devotion, humility, strength, and courage — qualities that are essential for effective leadership. His steady commitment to Lord Ram, his ability to act decisively under pressure, and his humility in service provide valuable lessons for modern leaders. By embodying these principles, leaders can inspire trust, foster resilience, and lead with integrity and empathy.
The Literature Times: You’ve worked with many prominent institutions and individuals in leadership training. How does Hanuman’s story inspire you in your professional journey?
Riya Gote : Hanuman’s story inspires me to stay grounded in my mission and to lead with purpose. His devotion to Lord Ram and his unshakable belief in his own strength remind me to stay true to my values, even when faced with challenges. His story also teaches me the importance of humility, which I believe is a key trait for anyone in a leadership role, especially when training others.
The Literature Times: What was your biggest challenge in writing this book, and how did you overcome it?
Riya Gote : It took me 3.5 years to write this book, and the biggest challenge was striking the right balance between conveying profound spiritual teachings while making them accessible to modern readers. I wanted to ensure that the mantras and their meanings resonated deeply with everyone, regardless of their spiritual background. To overcome this, I focused on blending simple, clear explanations with powerful, relatable anecdotes that would make the teachings come alive.
The Literature Times: Your personal mantra is “Self-confidence is a superpower.” How do you believe this connects with the essence of Lord Hanuman’s teachings in your book?
Riya Gote : Hanuman’s story is a perfect reflection of the power of self-confidence. Despite his immense strength and abilities, Hanuman initially doubted himself. It was through devotion, faith, and realizing his true potential that he overcame his doubts. Similarly, my mantra, “Self-confidence is a superpower,” aligns with Hanuman’s journey of self-discovery and self-empowerment. It reminds us all to believe in our abilities and take bold action.
The Literature Times: Your book touches on inner strength and devotion. How do you personally practice these principles in your day-to-day life?
Riya Gote : I practice inner strength and devotion through daily reflection and mindfulness. I take time each day to reflect on the lessons of Hanuman, focusing on maintaining a sense of humility, courage, and dedication to my goals. Whether through meditation, prayer, or simply staying true to my values, I aim to embody these principles in every aspect of my life.
The Literature Times: What message do you hope readers will take away from The Hanuman’s Diary, and how do you envision it impacting their personal spiritual journey?
Riya Gote : I hope readers take away the message that self-awareness holds the key to unlocking their true potential. The 4C’s—Clarity, Courage, Communication, and Confidence—serve as pillars on this journey. Understanding the deeper meanings of the mantras helps readers gain clarity in their lives, discover the courage to overcome challenges, communicate authentically, and build unshakable confidence in their spiritual path. This book aims to help readers connect with Lord Hanuman’s divine qualities and empower them to embody these traits, transforming their lives spiritually and personally.