Pune, (UNI) Calling literature the foundation of a meaningful life, renowned lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar today emphasized that literature has the power to bridge human differences.
Addressing the audience during the Closing Ceremony of the Symbiosis Literary Festival 2025 here, he said, “Even if you’re an engineer, doctor, or scientist, literature makes life more compassionate, aesthetic and beautiful. You may not visit every home in every part of the world, but through literature, you gain compassion and understanding for every human being.”
He also highlighted the vital role of literature and liberal arts in fostering empathy, creativity, and holistic education.
“Literature is not only for those who write it; it is for everybody. It teaches us about people of different nationalities, languages, and cultures, while also showing how similar human beings truly are. It helps us understand one another better,” he remarked.
Akhtar further stressed the importance of a well-rounded education, noting that exposure to multiple disciplines enriches human understanding. “An art education is necessary. Engineers need to know what’s happening in AI, astronomy, and genetics, and vice versa. Everybody cannot be a literary genius, a scientist, or a doctor—but having basic knowledge of every field makes one a well-rounded person,” he said.
Sharing his thoughts on artificial intelligence, Akhtar described it as a “powerful instrument” but emphasized that creativity remains a uniquely human quality. UNI SP SS
Literature foundation of meaningful Life: Javed Akhtar
