Javed Akhtar Urges Integration of Science and Humanities

Mumbai, October 25: Acclaimed screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar has called for greater integration of science and technology with the liberal arts, arguing that knowledge should not be divided into rigid categories.

Akhtar believes that subjects like history, literature, poetry and painting are crucial to shaping a balanced individual. While acknowledging the massive contribution of science and technology to human progress, he noted that a grounding in the humanities is what makes people fundamentally different from computers and robots.

“Science and technology are very important. But some understanding of liberal arts is also necessary. This is the difference between a human and a computer or robot,” Akhtar said during an interview.

The celebrated lyricist also said that people should look beyond their own specialisations. Those studying liberal arts, he suggested, should have a basic understanding of science. Likewise, those working in science should be aware of the liberal arts.

“Similarly, people from the science field should also be familiar with liberal arts. Knowledge of history, literature, poetry, painting and folk arts is essential. Dividing knowledge into separate compartments is not right,” he added.

A respected name in Indian cinema and literature, Javed Akhtar is known as a screenwriter, lyricist and poet.

He earned wide acclaim as part of the celebrated writing duo Salim-Javed, which created scripts for Hindi classics such as Zanjeer (1973), Deewar (1975), Sholay (1975) and Mr India (1987). Their work left a deep mark on Bollywood storytelling.

He later carved out a separate identity as a lyricist, contributing memorable songs to Silsila, 1942: A Love Story, Border, Refugee and Lagaan.

As an Urdu poet, Akhtar has produced notable works, including Tarkash. His services to Indian cinema and literature have earned him five National Film Awards, the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2007.