EntertainmentPosted at: Jan 15 2026 11:35PM


Secularism is not about a crash course - Javed Akhtar at JLF-2026

Jaipur, Jan 15 (UNI) Renowned film scriptwriter-poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar on Thursday said secularism can not be taught or inculcated through a crash course and a secular way of life is inculcated in an individual's mind based on the surrounding socio-political environment.
Participating in a conversation on his book "Points of View" with writer Warisha Farasat at the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF), Akhtar said "Secularism is about one's heritage and legacy, it percolates down in one's self from within his or her family or comes from the surrounding social environment.
"If some one claims to preach or teach it by way of a crash course, I shall call his or her claim fake'.
Neither can communalism be universal, nor can a ruler be genuinely communal, he said.
In this vein, Akhtar also referred to the US-Venezuela tiff and said what President Trump is thinking is not necessarily in conformity with 30 crore US citizens.
For a politician to become communal, it also symbolises his or her commitment to that ideology, Akhtar added.
Another session titled “Poetry – Khud se Baat” featured an engaging dialogue between poet and PR expert, Jagdeep Singh and writer, poet, and publisher, Anshu Harsh, focusing on her literary journey and writing experiences. The occasion also marked the launch of Anshu Harsh’s debut novel, ‘Ichha Mrityu’, published by the renowned Vani Prakashan. The book was formally released by senior writer and translator Malashri Lal.
During the conversation, Singh spoke to Anshu Harsh about her creative transition from poetry to the novel. Anshu Harsh shared that poetry is an immediate expression of emotions, whereas a novel is a longer and more immersive process that requires living with the characters. She described ‘Ichha Mrityu’ as a story of the struggle between life and death, one that will compel readers to reflect deeply.
Speaking about the English translations of the poems in her book ‘Samandar – The Ocean’, she noted that translation takes literature beyond boundaries and acts as a bridge between languages and cultures. A sensitive translation, she said, preserves the original emotion while carrying the work to new readers.
The five-day event was formally inaugurated by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma at an impressive opening session at the Hotel Clarks Amer here. Around 500 speakers, laureates and authors from different countries are participating in the festival. UNI SKS SSP
Please log in to get detailed story.
Tags: #Secularism is not about a crash course - Javed Akhtar at JLF-2026
More News

T-Series clears the air on 'Bhooth Bangla' denies any tie-up with 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa'

10 Feb 2026 | 8:13 PM

Mumbai, Feb 10 (UNI) T-Series has categorically dismissed recent conjecture seeking to associate its upcoming project "Bhooth Bangla" with the "Bhool Bhulaiyaa" franchise.

see more..

Odisha Government hikes salaries of AYUSH doctors working under NHM

10 Feb 2026 | 8:13 PM

Bhubaneswar, Feb 10 (UNI) In a significant move to strengthen the state’s healthcare system, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has approved a hike in the monthly salaries of AYUSH doctors working under the National Health Mission (NHM). The decision aims to encourage and recognize the valuable contribution of AYUSH doctors to public healthcare in the state.

see more..

Sanjay Mishra is all praise for Babil Khan

10 Feb 2026 | 7:52 PM

Mumbai, Feb 10 (UNI) Seasoned character actor Sanjay Mishra has spoken appreciatively of Babil Khan during a chat show appearance for the film "Vadh 2".

see more..

Prakash Raj slams ‘fake news’ over alleged exit from the film 'Spirit'

10 Feb 2026 | 3:15 PM

New Delhi, Feb 10 (UNI) Actor Prakash Raj has dismissed rumours suggesting his exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film ‘Spirit’, clarifying that he remains part of the project and has not yet begun filming his portions.

see more..

DMK-led SPA to stage protest demos on Feb 12 against BJP govt neglecting TN in union Budget

10 Feb 2026 | 2:15 PM

Chennai, Feb 10 (UNI) The ruling DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) will stage a protest demonstration
across the State on February 12 to strongly condemn the BJP Government at the Centre for ignoring and discriminating
Tamil Nadu and deceiving the people in the union Budget.

see more..