MF Hussain, the renouned artist of Indian origin was recently issued a citizenship by the government of Qatar. Whether he accepts in or not, he is a man of Indian origin, no matter what his citizenship is. The furious and clueless government of India is trying its good luck in bringing back this gifted artist who created heckles by portraying Hindu deities in vulgar/nude forms, which Hindu right's wing claim to have hurt the feelings of the Hindu majority. Since then Mr.Hussain has been targeted by Sang parivar and other Hindu right's organizations, vandalising his shows and burning his portraits and has poised threat to his life. This forced Mr.Husain to flee India on a self imposed exile to the Middle East.
Best artistic works has come when the thoughts and talents were unquestioned; Hence I believe that Mr.Hussain's act is justified. Also, being vulgar or not is up to the perception of an individual. Above all that Hindus, whose ancestoral Gurus and Rishis have gifted a book for sex, Kamasutra and being the members of a religion which has withstood all atrocities, calamities and cultural and political revolutions, Hindus in the first place must not be so impulsive and vindictive in action. Our's is the only religion which has accepted Atheism and is one of the only religions that has never stipulated any rules to its members.
Recently, Mr.Hussain claimed that he loves India and he felt immense pain in leaving India and also he did show his willingness to accept the luring offer of Qatar where he can recklessly let his artistic ideas varnish the paint board. I do understand that ego and one's self expression especially when it comes to painting, can never be questioned and if questioned, it will never be acceptable. But if that is above the love towards your home land, then I would suggest that he may never return to India. India is the land of RAja Ravi varma, and Mr.hussain is just one of the talented artists of India, if not MR.Hussain there will be another hussain or varma and hence I do not hink Indian government should take this as a big issue and let its pride go under his foot!
In this context, many might argue about the fundamental rights of Indian citizens. I also agree that India has a constitution which has one of our fundamental rights as "Right of expression and speech", but not at the cost of hurting other's believes and faith. But I would lie to remind you all not to forget your duties while you access your fundamental rights. This is applicable to everyone. As Delhi/bomnbay high curt had recently ruled, even religion can be a subject of criticism, but in a healthy way. Knowing the reality, I guess these must be kept personal and public comments on beliefs and faith must be spared from public forums which can lead to undemocratic situations.
Well there might be a thousand people pointing at me accessing me of being narrow minded. So I stop this blog with just two questions:
If you can portray Hindu goddesses in nude forms, why cant/dont you portray an image for image less Prophet Muhammed of for that matter his wife (after all Arabs are more beautiful that Indians) ?? Why dont you portray Alla in a divine form (I am not asking you to portray in nude form)??? Why dont you respect every other religion the way you respect yours??
My questions here are with atmost respect to Islam. I am only questioning his mentality and not the religion. Pls do not get me wrong!!
