Nurturing Open-Mindedness in Children Through Diverse Upbringings

"If you can question everything, you can respect anything." This philosophy wasn’t just a principle in Farhan Akhtar’s home—it was a way of life. Raised in an environment that encouraged independent thinking, Farhan learned to explore different ideas and respect diverse beliefs. In his household, asking questions wasn’t just allowed, it was celebrated. His father, the poet and thinker Javed Akhtar, nurtured him in an interfaith, non-religious home where curiosity took precedence over conformity, and logic was valued more than unquestioned tradition. Farhan was taught to seek understanding and respect the many ways people view the world.
In an interview with journalist Faye D'Souza, Farhan explained, “When you are raised without a religion, you automatically question everything. My father never told us not to believe in God; we just imbibed what we saw.” The Akhtar household was one where critical thinking was a cornerstone. Farhan’s father didn’t impose religion or beliefs on him but instead created an environment where questions were valued and answers were sought with logic, empathy, and respect for all perspectives.
In a world where parenting styles can be sharply divided, Javed Akhtar’s approach provides a refreshing alternative—encouraging children to question, explore, and embrace diversity rather than follow rigid beliefs. Farhan’s upbringing taught him emotional intelligence, empathy, and respect for diversity. It shows that giving children the freedom to explore their own path is the best way to prepare them for the future.
In light of Farhan’s story, here are some lessons interfaith families can share about fostering open-mindedness in children.
Farhan’s father taught him to question beliefs to understand the world, instead of accepting them blindly. This curiosity fosters open-mindedness. When children ask questions about religion, culture, or life, they build critical thinking skills to explore ideas on their own.

• Tip: When your child asks about different beliefs, ask what they think or feel. This opens up conversation and helps them understand that different views can coexist, even in the same family.

An interfaith upbringing can help children recognize that while people may practice different religions or none at all, the core values of kindness, respect, and love unite us all. Farhan’s reflections reveal that he was raised to respect faith, even if he didn’t personally practice it. This openness to diverse beliefs builds empathy and helps children understand that there isn’t a single “correct” way to view the world.

• Tip: Share stories and teachings from various cultures and religions, emphasizing universal values like compassion, honesty, and generosity. Take your children for different cultural festivals or visit museums to expose them to a wide range of traditions. Fun and enriching way for kids to experience and respect diversity.

Children learn a lot from what they observe at home. In Farhan’s case, seeing his father’s respectful stance toward all beliefs influenced his worldview. Modeling inclusivity in your own life shows children that differences don’t need to create divisions; rather, they can enrich our understanding of the world.

• Tip: Make a habit of treating everyone, regardless of their background, with respect and kindness. Show genuine interest in others' perspectives, even if they differ from yours. When children see this in action, they’re more likely to adopt it themselves.

Farhan’s upbringing shows the importance of letting children develop their own beliefs, without pressure or influence. This freedom empowered him to form his own ideas, rather than feeling compelled to adopt his family’s views. It’s important to give children the time and space to explore, whether they’re asking questions about spirituality, science, or societal norms.

• Tip: Give your child opportunities to express their opinions without imposing your own. If they share ideas that differ from your beliefs, listen with an open heart and encourage them to explore those ideas further. This approach not only validates their sense of autonomy but also fosters confidence in forming personal beliefs.

Farhan’s father instilled in him a rational, evidence-based way of thinking. “When you are raised without a religion, you automatically question everything. It was more about questioning things and trying to apply logic or scientific evidence to things,” Farhan shared in his conversation with Faye D’Souza. Yet, he also acknowledged the comfort that faith provides to those who embrace it, showing a balanced understanding of both faith and skepticism.
In an increasingly interconnected world, raising children with an open mind and a broad sense of empathy is invaluable. Farhan Akhtar’s interfaith upbringing offers insight into how children can grow into thoughtful, inclusive adults without feeling confined by a singular belief system. His father’s approach allowed him to embrace curiosity, respect, and a nuanced view of faith and reason. Through these lessons, we can guide children to approach the world with openness, respect, and the courage to think for themselves.