Javed Akhtar: Embrace English But Don’t Abandon Mother Tongue
India-West News Desk
JAIPUR – At the 2025 Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF), celebrated lyricist, screenwriter, and poet Javed Akhtar unveiled his latest book, Gyan Seepiyan: Pearls of Wisdom. During a session, he shared insights on language, education, and cultural heritage, emphasizing the need to preserve one’s mother tongue.
“In the rush of urbanization, we are gradually distancing ourselves from our languages. This has led to the diminishing presence of traditional poetry, including iconic dohas (couplets), which are a vital part of our heritage. Language is not just a tool for communication—it carries tradition, culture, and continuity,” Akhtar said.
He revealed that Gyan Seepiyan was not originally his idea but stemmed from a friend’s suggestion, which deeply resonated with him. “Today’s parents prioritize English-medium education, which is beneficial. However, in doing so, we must not lose touch with our linguistic roots,” he noted.
Akhtar stressed that learning English should not come at the expense of one’s native language. “English is undoubtedly the global language of our time, and being multilingual is essential. However, focusing solely on English while neglecting our mother tongue is like planting a tree and cutting off its roots—it severs us from our culture, history, and identity,” he explained. “I am not advocating for abandoning English; it is crucial for progress. But we must actively preserve and promote our own languages, as they are integral to our cultural and emotional identity.”
Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty and actor Atul Tiwari, who moderated the session, joined Akhtar for the book launch.
This year’s JLF, running from January 30 to February 3, opened with a musical performance by Supriya Nagarajan, a renowned Carnatic vocalist and CEO of Manasamitra, a UK-based arts organization dedicated to promoting cultural diversity through music.
