Javed Akhtar Says Secularism Is a Way of Life, Not Taught Through Crash Courses

At the 19th Jaipur Literature Festival, lyricist Javed Akhtar emphasized that secularism is a way of life shaped by one's social environment and heritage, not something that can be taught through crash courses. Reflecting on his upbringing in a family of agnostics and atheists, Akhtar highlighted that secular values develop naturally from observing respected elders rather than formal instruction. He also critiqued the artificiality of imposed secularism and shared personal anecdotes illustrating his perspective.