ABP Network Ideas Of India 2023: Acclaimed lyricist, screenwriter, and poet Javed Akhtar spoke about his recent comment on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, which he made during the Faiz Festival in Lahore, at the second edition of ABP Network Ideas of India on Thursday. While talking about the current situation of Pakistan, he mentioned that he thinks that the formation of Pakistan was illogical and one of the ‘biggest blunders that humans committed’.
On his viral comment on 26/11 attackers
In a conversation with author Chetan Bhagat, who was moderating the session, the five times National Awards winner lyricist shared what transpired before he spoke about the now-viral comment on 26/11. While describing the love and appreciation he got from the Pakistani audience, he said, "The auditorium was packed, everyone was cheering, conversations were interesting and informal. Then a lady said Pakistanis treat us with huge respect and warmth but don’t get that in return, and Indians think of every Pakistani as a terrorist. So I did answer in the most polite manner possible.”
Talking about the reaction he received from both the countries, Akhtar said, “It became too big, it is embarrassing, I shouldn’t gloat over it, the reaction was as if I have won third world war.”
Speaking in his trademark witty style, the writer took a dig at the comments and criticism he received from across the border. “People are abusing me in Pakistan and asking how I got the visa, I think I will now just remember the country and how it was,” he said, taking a jibe at the visa comment.
When applauded by Chetan Bhagat for the courage he showed in speaking about 26/11 perpetrators roaming free in Pakistan, Akhtar replied, “When I am not scared of speaking out what I feel is wrong in the country where I was born, where I have to live and die, why will I be scared of speaking fact in a country I was visiting for just two days.”
On the formation of Pakistan
While talking about the current state of Pakistan, he was asked whether if in hindsight, he thinks the formation of Pakistan was a mistake. The lyricist quickly replied that he thinks the formation of Pakistan was the ‘biggest blunders that humans committed’.
Elaborating it further, Akhtar said, “Formation of Pakistan was illogical. Religion doesn’t make a nation; it is not enough glue to make a nation.”
He also said he believes we are doing what Pakistan did 70 years ago. “A section of society wants India to be a Hindu Rashtra, but they don’t understand that one religion can’t make a nation.”
When prodded further on why people feel the need for a Hindu rashtra and why the thought appeals to many, he gave an example of addiction. “You are asking this question to an atheist. If you ask what the appeal is in cocaine. Religion is an addiction.”
On Nationalism
Speaking about nationalism, Akhtar said to love your motherland is a natural instinct, if someone doesn’t, then that is unnatural. “I don’t understand the difference between nationalism and patriotism, that is for scholars to understand. For me, nationalism is natural.”
Ideas Of India Is Back
ABP Network Ideas Of India summit is back for its second edition. On February 24 and 25, eminent personalities from all walks of life will share their thoughts on pertinent topics and issues, ranging from climate catastrophe to India’s position as a new global power player.
This year's speakers will share their thoughts on what constitutes ‘Naya India’ and how our country, now the fifth-largest economy, can position itself as a developed nation by 2047, marking 100 years of independence.
This year, the ABP Network Ideas Of India summit — co-presented by Dabur Vedic Tea and co-powered by Dr Ortho, Gallant Advance, and Rajesh Masala (driven by Maruti Suzuki and with tech partner Panasonic) — will see notable speakers such as Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Minister Of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss, lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar, musical artists Bickram Ghosh and Shubha Mudgal, authors Amitav Ghosh and Devdutt Pattanaik, actresses Sara Ali Khan, Yami Gautam, Asha Parekh and Zeenat Aman, actors Ayushmann Khurrana and Manoj Vajpayee, celebrity chef Vikas Khanna, sports stars Jwala Gupta and Vinesh Phogat, and many more.
You can stream it live below: