Srinagar, May 2 -- There are moments in life when the heart knows something is wrong long before the mouth is willing to say it. A student watches a classmate being humiliated but looks away. An employee notices unsafe practices in the office but stays quiet. A neighbour hears of corruption, injustice, or abuse, yet tells himself that someone else will speak. Silence, in such moments, does not always come from agreement. More often, it comes from fear, confusion, helplessness, and the heavy pressure of social life. That human tendency-to remain silent even when we know something is wrong-reveals a troubling truth about individuals and societies alike.

At first glance, silence may appear harmless. After all, no words were spoken, no actio...