ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

Lok-Silence and Swaraj of the Self: Reclaiming Inner Freedom in an Age of Perpetual Noise

In contemporary public life, noise has become a defining feature of communication. Speech is constant, rapid, and performative, yet genuine understanding remains scarce. This paper examines the concept of lok-silence—a culturally rooted mode of inner stillness—and explores its relation to swaraj of the self, the practice of self-rule at the emotional and cognitive level. Drawing upon Indian philosophical traditions, including the Upanishadic value of mauna and Gandhi’s conception of swaraj as inner sovereignty, this study argues that silence is not a withdrawal from engagement but a prerequisite for meaningful dialogue. Modern communication environments, particularly digital platforms, encourage reaction rather than reflection, leading to cycles of humiliation, defensiveness, and polarization. In contrast, silence allows for the restoration of proportion, the capacity to listen without anxiety, and the ability to respond rather than react. The paper proposes that reclaiming silence as a deliberate act of agency can serve as a foundation for healthier democratic discourse and more humane civic relationships. By reinterpreting silence not as passivity but as self-grounding presence, the study shows how silence enables individuals to participate in the public sphere without losing interior stability. Ultimately, silence is presented as an ethical and political resource for sustaining dignity in an age of perpetual noise. Keywords Silence; Swaraj; Self-agency; Public Discourse; Indian Philosophy; Civic Ethics