Javed Akhtar on Secularism: A Way of Life, Not a Crash Course

• Javed Akhtar stated at the Jaipur Literature Festival that secularism is a 'way of life' that develops naturally, not through formal lessons.
• He recounted his childhood, growing up in a home where religion was not central, and shared an anecdote about his illiterate grandmother's profound sensitivity.
• His grandmother intervened when his grandfather tried to make him memorize religious verses for 50 paise, asserting that religion should not be forcibly imposed.
• Akhtar criticized the notion that today's youth are flawed, noting that complaints about younger generations have existed since ancient times, citing Aristotle.
• He highlighted the improved working conditions in the film industry, contrasting the humiliating role of assistant directors in his time with the respect they command today.

Why It Matters: Javed Akhtar emphasizes secularism as an ingrained way of life and champions his grandmother's innate wisdom.