Mumbai, Jan 16 : Renowned lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar on Friday said that secularism cannot be taught or inculcated through a “crash course,” asserting that a secular outlook evolves organically from one’s social, cultural and political surroundings.
Speaking at the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) 2026 during a conversation on his book Points of View with writer Warisha Farasat, Akhtar said secularism is deeply rooted in heritage and legacy. “Secularism percolates within oneself, either from family or from the surrounding social environment. If someone claims to preach or teach it through a crash course, I would call that claim fake,” he said.
Akhtar argued that neither communalism nor secularism can be universally imposed, adding that individuals and societies evolve their values over time. He also remarked that no ruler or political ideology can uniformly represent the beliefs of an entire population.
Drawing a parallel with international politics, Akhtar referred to tensions between the United States and Venezuela, saying the views of a leader do not necessarily reflect those of the people. He said that when politicians adopt a communal stance, it signals a conscious ideological commitment rather than a reflection of public sentiment.
Another session at the festival, titled “Poetry – Khud se Baat”, featured a conversation between poet and PR expert Jagdeep Singh and writer, poet and publisher Anshu Harsh. The session also marked the launch of Harsh’s debut novel Ichha Mrityu, published by Vani Prakashan and formally released by senior writer and translator Malashri Lal.
Speaking about her literary journey, Anshu Harsh described poetry as an immediate emotional expression, while writing fiction, she said, is a longer and more immersive process that requires living with characters over time. She described Ichha Mrityu as a narrative centred on the tension between life and death, intended to provoke deep reflection among readers.
Harsh also spoke about the English translations of her poems in Samandar – The Ocean, saying translation helps literature transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries while preserving emotional depth.
The five-day Jaipur Literature Festival 2026 was inaugurated by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma at Hotel Clarks Amer. Around 500 authors, speakers and literary figures from across the world are participating in this year’s edition.