Swaraj is an ancient Sandkrit term, composed of the particle swa (or sva) which means ‘self, one’s own,’ and raj which means ‘rule.’ Self-rule or self-restraint is the basis for human liberation from the influence of outward control over the mind, as well as the starting point for nonviolent coexistence in society at large. The premise is that when a person is able to control his or her thoughts and desires, the inherent sense of connectedness or unity will be free to operate; he or she will spontaneously act in ways which are more beneficial to others as well as to him or herself.  Like most of Gandhi’s key terms, swaraj was meant to be applied on various levels; thus, in addition to the basic, just mentioned, meaning, it could and did mean political independence from foreign rule.

One of Gandhi’s seminal works, Hind Swaraj  or Indian Home Rule, was written in 1909, aboard a ship from South Africa to India, and first published in 1909 in Gujarati. It was later translated into English, helping Gandhi’s intention for independence gain momentum. In this work, widely regarded as a classic, Gandhi describes his ideal form of self-rule and his wish for the people of India, noting, however, “I would warn the reader against thinking that I am today aiming at the Swaraj described therein. I know that India is not ripe for it. It may seem an impertinence to say so. But such is my conviction. I am individually working for the self-rule pictured therein.”  Change, in order to be profound and lasting, must come from within, as it did, for India, 38 years later. Swaraj is our birthright and our responsibility– according to Gandhiji, “any other rule is foreign rule.”