Javed Akhtar at Jaipur Literature Festival 2025

Javed Akhtar Speaks at JLF 2025: Learning English is Important, but Disconnecting from Mother Tongue is Wrong

JLF News

The Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 started with a powerful message from celebrated lyricist, screenwriter, and poet Javed Akhtar. Speaking at the festival’s inauguration on January 30, 2025, Akhtar launched his latest book, “Gyan Seepiyan: Pearls of Wisdom”, and shared his thoughts on the importance of language, education, and cultural heritage.

Key Points from Akhtar’s Speech

  • Preservation of Mother Tongue: Akhtar emphasized the importance of preserving one’s mother tongue amidst the growing disconnection from traditional poetry and cultural heritage due to urbanization and modern education.
  • Multilingualism: While advocating for learning English and other languages, Akhtar stressed that it should not come at the cost of one’s native language. He likened focusing exclusively on English to “planting a tree and cutting off its roots,” disconnecting individuals from their culture and identity1.
  • Cultural Continuity: Akhtar highlighted that language is not just a means of communication but a vehicle for tradition, culture, and continuity.

Event Highlights

The festival, which runs from January 30 to February 3, 2025, features over 300 speakers from around the globe, engaging in thought-provoking discussions on a wide range of national and international issues. The inauguration ceremony included musical performances and cultural discussions, setting a vibrant tone for the event.

Notable Attendees

Joining Akhtar on stage were Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty and session moderator actor Atul Tiwari. The festival also boasts participation from other literary giants such as Namita Gokhale, William Dalrymple, and Sanjoy K. Roy.

The Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 continues to be a grand celebration of literature, art, and culture, drawing thousands of enthusiasts, authors, and cultural leaders from across the globe.

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