Javed Akhtar Shares Insights on Secularism and Language at Jaipur Literature Festival 2026

At the Jaipur Literature Festival 2026, Javed Akhtar engaged in a compelling discussion on secularism and the evolution of languages. He emphasized that secularism cannot be taught through a crash course, as it is a natural outcome of one's upbringing. Akhtar also addressed the historical significance of Sanskrit and Urdu, highlighting the importance of viewing languages through the lens of their contributions rather than their age. His reflections on childhood memories and the changing dynamics of Bollywood resonated with the audience, making the session a memorable part of the festival.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 18, 2026, 16:49 IST

Highlights from the Jaipur Literature Festival 2026

The Jaipur Literature Festival 2026 commenced on January 15, featuring renowned lyricist, author, and poet Javed Akhtar in a session titled “Points of View,” where he engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue with writer Varisha Farasat.

During the discussion, Akhtar expressed several significant and candid opinions that resonated with recent reports:

On Secularism, he remarked that there is no such thing as a “crash course.” He emphasized that if someone attempts to teach it, it would be insincere, as true secularism emerges naturally from one’s environment, family, and upbringing. He reflected on his childhood, noting that he learned these values from his grandparents.

When a participant inquired about the origins of Sanskrit vs Urdu, Akhtar sharply responded, “That question is fundamentally flawed!” He clarified that Sanskrit is thousands of years old, while Urdu is relatively new, having developed in the last millennium. He likened Urdu to the “younger sister” of Sanskrit, indicating its evolution under Sanskrit's influence.

He described Tamil as the world’s oldest living language, asserting that Urdu does not belong in that comparison. He stressed that languages should be evaluated based on their contributions, literature, and significance rather than their age, and that language is tied to regions, not religions.

Akhtar characterized Urdu as a shared heritage of India, arguing against its association with any single community.

This session took place at the Clarks Amer Hotel during JLF 2026, which was inaugurated by Rajasthan's Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Deputy CM Diya Kumari. Akhtar also reminisced about his childhood, the memories of learning his mother’s language, and the evolving landscape of Bollywood, while encouraging the youth to read widely and maintain objectivity.