Early morning when I wake up, I hear the sounds of Azaan from different mosques, when I try to meditate. I hear the sounds of Bhajan from temples, as I sit anywhere and try to focus on myself or try to do my work. I am constantly bombarded by the loud and jarring sounds of the Azaan from the nearby mosques multiple times in a day. It’s not that I have anything against any religion or the practice of prayer, but the constant noise has become overwhelming.
I remember when I was younger, my family would visit the temple on special occasions. The chanting and the sound of the bells were soothing and calming, and it felt like a sacred experience. But now, as I walk past the temple, the loudspeakers blare out bhajans at full volume, drowning out all other sounds.
It’s not just about religion, either. Every time I walk past a shopping mall or a busy street, the sound of music and advertisements blaring from the loudspeakers is almost deafening. It’s like there’s no escape from the noise.
And it’s not just about noise pollution. It’s about the constant conditioning of our minds. It’s like we’re being told what to think, what to feel, and how to behave without any say. The constant reminders of our religion or consumerist culture are meant to keep us distracted and prevent us from thinking for ourselves.
But I refuse to be conditioned in this way. I want to be able to think for myself, meditate and pray in peace and silence, and feel the presence of God within me. It’s not about any particular religion or ideology. It’s about being able to connect with our inner selves without the interference of external stimuli.
So, I implore everyone to think about the impact of loudspeakers on our lives and psyche. Let’s work towards creating a world where we can find peace and solace in silence, think for ourselves and connect with our inner selves without the constant interference of loud and jarring sounds.
There were no loudspeakers in the olden days and also there was no current, remember, the more the noise around you the more that you are being conditioned.
Edited By Anamika Pokharel
