New Delhi. Veteran poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar is in the limelight due to his statements. If he wants to talk about any issue, he openly expresses his opinion. Recently the lyricist expressed his thoughts about Lord Rama and Mother Sita, who are now in the headlines. The occasion was the Dipotsava program organized by Raj Thackeray, which was attended by Javed Akhtar. On this occasion, he said that Lord Ram and Sita are not only Hindu Gods and Goddesses but are the cultural heritage of India.
Expressing his thoughts, Javed Akhtar said that although he is an atheist, he considers Ram and Sita as the wealth of this country and that is why he participated in this program. He said that Ramayana is our cultural heritage.
‘Proud to be born in the land of Ram and Sita’
The lyricist further said that he is proud to be born in the land of Rama and Sita and when we talk about Marya Purushottam only Rama and Sita come to mind. While speaking, Javed Akhtar also asked people to chant ‘Jai Siya Ram’. Recalling his childhood days in Lucknow, he said that as a child he used to see people who were rich and they would say good morning. But a common man passing by on the road greeted people by saying ‘Jai Siya Ram’.
‘To think of Sita and Rama separately is a sin’
He said, therefore it is a sin to think of Sita and Rama separately. The word Siya Ram symbolizes love and unity. Only one person separated Siya and Rama, that was Ravana. So the one who will separate them will be Ravana. He further asked people to chant Jai Siya Ram and chant Jai Siya Ram three times with me.
How has freedom of expression diminished?
Javed Akhtar also emphasized how freedom of expression has decreased. He said that if they were to write that scene from ‘Sholay’ today, in which Hema Malini goes to the temple with Dharmendra standing behind her, he and Salim Khan would not have written that scene today. Because in today’s society, if anyone feels this is bad, understand that ignorance has increased.
‘Hindus always had greatness in their hearts’
He further said that in the past there were some people who were always intolerant. But Hindus were not like that. The special thing about Hindus is that there was always greatness in their hearts. But if you overcome it, you will become like everyone else. We have learned from the way you have lived your life. If you leave it out, it won’t work. He said ‘I am proud to be born on this earth.
How is democracy alive in India?
Javed Akhtar said that if we leave India, there is no other country till the Mediterranean Sea which has a democratic system. Here is democracy because here anyone can think what they want. He who is a pagan is also a Hindu, he who is not a pagan is also a Hindu. One who believes in one God is also a Hindu and one who believes in all gods and goddesses is also a Hindu. He who does not worship anyone is also a Hindu. Hindu culture gives us democratic values. This is why democracy is alive in India.
,
Tags: Javed Akhtar
First published: November 10, 2023, 13:33 IST