Javed Akhtar Highlights Secularism as a Way of Life at Jaipur Literature Festival 2026

At the 19th Jaipur Literature Festival, lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar emphasized that secularism is a way of life that develops naturally through lived experience rather than formal instruction. Reflecting on his atheist upbringing, he shared a childhood anecdote about his grandmother opposing religious imposition. Akhtar criticized the reduction of secularism to a mere slogan and highlighted the importance of observing respected elders to internalize values. The festival also featured discussions on language, science, philanthropy, and personal memoirs by various authors and thinkers.