Letters to the editorProtesting Husain from the viewpoint of art“Should one do anything that one pleases just because one has become great?” - Mrs. Sujata Dharap, a famous artist from Pune, India (Read Details) “Art and communication should promote peace and mutual respect for diverse faiths!” - Mr. Chandramouli, India, (Read Details) “Why is Husain acclaimed as a great painter?” - Mr. Balasubramaniam, India (Read Details) Response from school and college youth“I will not rest until this (denigration) is put a stop to!” - Master V. Singh (a 15-year-old from India) (Read Details) “O Hindus, wake up at least now!” - Tanuja and Deepti, College Students (Read Details) From famous people- Francois Gautier, French columnist living in India (Read Details) “Hindus demand equal treatment!” - P. Deivamuthu, Editor, Hindu Voice, a monthly in English in India (Read Details) Offering to do more“Eliminate such demonic attitudes forever!” - A supporter, Australia (Read Details) “There should be a more effective and loud action plan!” - Capt. Anand, Maharashtra, India (Read Details) In response to Husain’s scheduled felicitation and subsequent cancellation“Felicitation by the Governor in his official capacity would amount to adding insult to injury!” - Dr. A. Balasubramaniam, Chairman, Hindu Council of Australia Ltd (Read Details) “Over 25000 people think that Husain’s derogatory art should not be allowed!” - Mr. A. Pimple, Mumbai, India (Read Details) “Proud to have participated in this peaceful protest movement!” - Mr. Desai, Surat, India (Read Details) “The issue is not dead till Husain withdraws his paintings!” - Mr. Singhal, Australia (Read Details) Criticism of Husain“This is what happens when fame and fortune come to the ignorant and uncultured!” - Mr. R. Ponnathapur, India (Read Details) “Husain should be tried in court for creating religious riots!” - Ms. Agarwal, India (Read Details) Criticism of anti-Hindus like Husain and Nafisa Ali“Recognise the deep running anti-Hindu attitudes of the likes of M. F. Husain and Nafisa Ali!” - Ms. D. Patel, UK (Read Details) “Husain, Nafisa Ali and the Maharashtra Governor should be made to answer!” - Prof. V. Ashar, CA, USA (Read Details) Criticism of the Indian government’s “pseudo-secularism”“Even some government offices display Husain’s paintings!” - Ms. Alka, Hong Kong (Read Details) - S. Ranganathan, USA (Read Details) Appealing to the Indian government- Mr. Hemant, Toronto, Canada (Read Details) In support of violent protests“If the government fails to give justice, people will be forced to go in an illegitimate way!” - A. Shanbhag, India (Read Details) “Given the correct resources and guidance, I am willing to kill Husain.” - Mr. Vikram (Read Details) “We Hindus are the most submissive… Wish Nathuram Godse was alive!” - Krishna S, India (Read Details) Protests from other faiths“M. F. Husain has never showed any sign of being a Muslim, and we never accepted him as a Muslim!” - Mr. Iqbal M (Read Details) “Husain has violated the laws of Islam (through his art)!”- Ms. Anwer, India. 13 May 2006. (Read Details)
Attention, Husain and the Indian government - the legendary patience of Hindus has been sorely tried!“Hindus should call for the Death Penalty for M. F. Husain!” - Mr. Nirvan Balkissoon (Read Details) Protesting Husain from the viewpoint of art“Should one do anything that one pleases just because one has become great?”- Mrs. Sujata Dharap, a famous artist from Pune, India. It is appropriate that a painter should have freedom; however, if it is going to affect society, there have to be restrictions on him. If people’s sentiments are getting hurt, then it is definitely a mistake. Whatever may be within you, it need not be exhibited. No one has the right to hurt people’s sentiments. As it is, is there a dearth to the difficulties that people are facing? Thousands of people are distressed by this. Through one’s art, one should help relieve people’s stress, not stress them further. The artist should strive to impart to people the joy he gets from his art. The artist does not have any rules regarding painting; however, some unwritten rules are always there. One has to abide by them. There should be novel ideas in one’s paintings; however, there should be truth in it. In our culture too, there are things like Khajuraho or Kamasutra; however, there is science behind it. Painting deities like this (the way Husain has done) is incorrect. Art expresses whatever feelings exist in one’s mind to begin with. It is not necessary either that every painting should be exhibited in public. One should keep under lock and key the paintings that are inappropriate for public exhibition, and burn them before dying. Drawing such pictures amounts to ‘negative publicity’. Does that mean that when one becomes great, one should do anything one pleases? “Art and communication should promote peace and mutual respect for diverse faiths!” - Mr. Chandramouli, India, I came across your site. I am joining the 22,500 + plus people in voicing my protest. I signed the petition and forwarded it to as many of my friends as possible. Personally, I believe that our freedom of expression should not hurt others' sentiments. All forms of art and communication should promote peace and mutual respect for diverse faiths. “Why is Husain acclaimed as a great painter?” - Mr. Balasubramaniam, India. I have just seen the paintings of this chap. I do not know why he is acclaimed as a great painter. I find his paintings very vulgar and full of perversion. While this disgusting gutter worm paints Muslim ladies fully dressed, what business has he to paint Hindu Gods and Goddesses in nudity and in disgusting poses. The blood of every cultured man, whether he be a Hindu or not, will boil seeing these ugly pictures. This fellow must be shot dead. Response from school and college youth“I will not rest until this (denigration) is put a stop to!”- Master V. Singh (a 15-year-old from India), I Vishaun am 15 years old, a very proud Hindu and I’m absolutely, deeply appalled and sickened by this book, and I join in this protest against this dishonor to my religion. To the person who painted those pictures, that are trying to tarnish the great name of Sanatan Dharma: You will never succeed and I will not rest until this (denigration) is put a stop to. “O Hindus, wake up at least now!” - Tanuja and Deepti, College Students. Hi, Drawing such obscene pictures of Hindu deities has not only hurt Hindu religious feelings, but also insulted the tradition and the rich culture flowing in India for zillions of years. If referred to any ancient epics of Hindus, you would hardly find any character portrayed as naked or as obscene as the great M. F. Husain has inspired himself to paint. One question that we have in mind is would M. F. Husain ever paint such horrifying pictures of his own gods or as a matter fact, of any female in his family? (Sita is considered as mother by Hindus, and he has insulted our mother, for which he will have to pay now and forever.) Husain has stoked fire once again between Hindus and Muslims. After this if any riots are faced by our country, the sole responsibility will rest on the shoulders of Mr. “I’m-an-idealistic-painter”! he should be banned, so should his paintings... and at school and college level, we can definitely start a rally against him. M. F. Husain should be taught a lesson by hook or by crook. So readers, be alert! Do let us know what we can do! From famous people“Good effort. Keep it up!” - Francois Gautier, French columnist living in India, [Mr. Gautier has signed the protest petition and taken up this issue in his articles. - Editor.] “Hindus demand equal treatment!” - P. Deivamuthu,
Editor, Hindu Voice, a monthly in English in India, To: The Governor of Maharashtra Your Excellency,
Offering to do more“Eliminate such demonic attitudes forever!” - A supporter, Australia, My friend, I suggest you organise a person or team of people in order to eliminate this demon forever. You can tame someone who is young, but not like this old and sick-minded person. Therefore, collect some fund for this cause. Let us know if such funds are required at any time. [It is your support in kind than in cash that is dearer to us. - Editor.] With Regards...” “There should be a more effective and loud action plan!” - Capt. Anand, Maharashtra, India, Dear Sir / Ma'am, Warm regards. Will it be enough to call in people to sign in their protest against this pervert? There should be some more effective and loud action plan, wherein you ask people to bid in their cooperation and support. These days, I am rather busy, but this mail has provoked me enough to write in, my anguish to you. I wish I could have done some more, real time action play, instead of just writing this much to you. Thanks and regards. Yours sincerely, [Capt Anand has also provided his contact information and asked to contact him if we need his assistance in any way regarding this issue. – Editor.] In response to Husain’s scheduled felicitation and subsequent cancellation“Felicitation by the Governor in his official capacity would amount to adding insult to injury!” - Dr. A. Balasubramaniam,
Chairman, Hindu Council of Australia Ltd, 1 February, 2006 Hon. Mr. S.M. Krishna Sub: Protest against Roopdhara 2006 award to M F Husain Dear Sir, It is with deep regret I am protesting to you very strongly on behalf of the whole Hindu Community living in Australia against the proposed Roopdhara 2006 award to the renowned artist, M F Husain by the Bombay Art Society. Considering the repeated denigration of Hindu deities by M. F. Husain despite the Hindus having brought this to his notice and having protested against it on several occasions, we feel it is incorrect that he be felicitated by the Governor for the following reasons:
Considering these precedents we protest the gross negligence and insensitivity accorded to the repeated and callous trampling of sentiments of the majority population of India by M. F. Husain and demand that this constitutional right of Hindus be similarly protected by the government. Felicitation by the Governor in his official capacity amounts to adding insult to injury. On behalf of all the Hindus and all fair minded people of the world to whatever religion they belong, I very strongly protest against the proposed award, which must be cancelled. I would appreciate your acknowledgment of this protest and the resultant action taken. Regards, Yours sincerely… “Over 25000 people think that Husain’s derogatory art should not be allowed!” - Mr. A. Pimple, Mumbai, India, To: We heard that M. F. Husain, the internationally reputed painter is being felicitated with the prestigious Roopdhara 2006 award by the Bombay Art Society at Your Excellency’s hands on 2nd February 2006. It is very wrong to felicitate a painter who has abused the sentiments of a large part of indian society. Mr. Husain has drawn several derogatory paintings, as follows: • Painting of nude Goddess Durga astride the tiger and many more, which one will not be able to see... (Reference: Sanatan Organization) From the over 25000 signatures in the online protest campaign against of M. F. Husain’s paintings, one has to note that over 25000 people think that this art should not be allowed, as it hurts the feelings of Hindus. So I request Your Excellency that please do not encourage such activities by involving yourself in such functions and help speed up the action against M. F. Husain for such derogatory art. Regards… P. S.: Sample pictures attached for your information. CC: President of India “Proud to have participated in this peaceful protest movement!” - Mr. Desai, Surat, India, This was a good, peaceful protest movement, mainly web based in contrast to what is happening in the Muslim world over the cartoons of the Prophet. We have still achieved our ends. I am proud to have participated in this. Compliments to you and all, who are associated with Sanatan Dharma and its protection. “The issue is not dead till Husain withdraws his paintings!” - Mr. Singhal, Australia, Congratulations to you for this successful effort. However, the issue is not dead until M. F. Husain apologises and withdraws his paintings. We need to carry on this effort. We are prepared to support in whatever manner we can. Criticism of Husain“This is what happens when fame and fortune come to the ignorant and uncultured!” - Mr. R. Ponnathapur, India, It is indeed a sorry state of mind. In fact, when fame and fortune comes to persons without any knowledge and culture, this is what happens. If Mr. Husain is really secular, let him make similar paintings on other religions and their ideals. At the same time, we should also share the blame, since Hindus with loose cultural values are the ones who have shot him to fame. No one has the right to play on the sentiments of other religions. Please do not try on the patience of followers of a religion with the highest tolerance thresholds and give a tool in the hands of fanatical Hindus, who may misuse it! “Husain should be tried in court for creating religious riots!” - Ms. Agarwal, India, Really bad... Husain should be banned from painting anymore and should be behind bars. Court should take strict action against him, because he has tried to create religious riots in the country. Criticism of anti-Hindus like Husain and Nafisa Ali“Recognise the deep running anti-Hindu attitudes of the likes of M. F. Husain and Nafisa Ali!” - Ms. D. Patel, UK , It was heartbreaking to hear that the derogatory painting of Bharatmata was sold for such a large amount. It shows how people like Nafisa Ali, while sweet with the Hindu Junta, has deep running Anti Hindu sentiments and disrespect for the religion. To them Hinduism and Hindu deities don’t mean anything... It is very conniving of her to join Husain to raise funds using such abhorrent means for the Kashmir cause. “Husain, Nafisa Ali and the Maharashtra Governor should be made to answer!” - Prof. V. Ashar, CA, USA, Is it possible for everyone to see what is, in Nafisa Ali's words, "the purest form of Bharat Mata" as fancied by M. F. Husain's artistry? I would like to know more details about the motivations behind the social activism of people like Ms. Nafisa Ali who seem to be so eager in promoting pseudo-artists such as M. F. Husain. Nafisa Ali should be confronted about why she does not spend her energy to persuade her Muslim brethren to respect artistic talents and 'freedom of artistic _expression' in the cartoons publication controversy where Muslims all over the world including in India have poured out on a rampage of indiscriminate violence and destruction. She and her organization should be sued for trying to earn money by defaming the religious sentiments of over a billion Hindus. Also, the Maharashtra Governor, Mr. Krishna, should be interrogated for an explanation why he was willing to make time to give an award to M. F. Husain personally for his vulgar artistry at the expense of Hindu sentiments, but then developed cold feet when the award ceremony had to be scrapped. Criticism of the Indian government’s “pseudo-secularism”“Even some government offices display Husain’s paintings!” - Ms. Alka, Hong Kong Can a civil rights petition not be filed against Husain, barring him from such displays? Even some (Indian) government offices display his paintings. (The Indira Gandhi airport in Delhi being one of them.) I think Hindu tolerance is being viewed as a weakness and we need to find a means of showing our displeasure without resorting to violence. “Denigration by Husain – a result of passivity of Hindus and so-called secularism of the Indian Congress Government?” - S. Ranganathan, USA, Is it because the Hindus are passive, non-violent and put up with these kinds of atrocities? What is the Congress Government doing? Is this what ‘secularism’ all about? It is incredulous that nobody in the government has condemned these shameful paintings. First of all, on behalf of not only Hindus, but also people of other religious beliefs, I want to thank you for your dedication and tenacity in publicizing the blasphemous paintings by Mr. M. F. Husain. I also applaud you for conducting the protests by legitimate means only; I bet you if this was about Islam or Christianity, people would have been up in arms and Mr. Husain would be running for his life. He is lucky he is living in India among the Hindus. I believe you do not have to be a Hindu to protest; any decent human being of any religious faith should be shocked to see the insult and join us in protesting against Mr. Husain. Please let me know if you are collecting funds for this worthy cause. [It is your support in kind than in cash that is dearer to us. - Editor.] Come on, Hindus, it is about time we got off our passivity; stand up to let people know that we are mad as hell and that we are not going to take it anymore. Appealing to the Indian governmentTo the Indian President from a personal acquaintance, “We request your intervention in the Husain issue.” - Mr. Hemant, Toronto, Canada, Dear Abdul Kalam: I am at present in Toronto, Canada for last 3 years, and have been meeting you for last almost 10 years during Indian Science Congress session. The reason I am writing to you is the things that are going on in Maharashtra are not good for humanity, and we, I and many of my friends here in Canada and US, are concerned about it and strongly condemn the activities of Husain. I, on behalf of many Indians and Hindus here, request your intervention in the matter. Please confirm. Bye, and have nice day, Hemant. In support of violent protests“If the government fails to give justice, people will be forced to go in an illegitimate way!” - A. Shanbhag, India, M F Husain: Please destroy all these paintings. Not in good taste. Just see what happened in Denmark with the ‘satire on Islam’ cartoons. All the Hindus too, will organize and stop buying products from Islamic countries. You will pay a large penalty. I am very against the paintings of Husain; he should be punished severely. I assure you full my support and the support of even the people in my surroundings. I hope Sanatan Sanstha will gain success, and my suggestion is that we have to carry out this process as soon as possible. If the government fails to give justice, people will be forced to go in a crooked way, because this is a matter of Dharma and Husain has committed an offence against Dharma. He will have to pay a great deal for it. Back to top“Given the correct resources and guidance, I am willing to kill Husain.”- Mr. Vikram, “We Hindus are the most submissive… Wish Nathuram Godse was alive!” - Krishna S, India, I am not shocked, to say the least. We Hindus are the most submissive religion in the whole world. We were ruled by the Mughals for about 1000 years and then the Christians for about 300 years. What did we do? We assimilated them into our culture! Because we are accommodative! We idolise Muslim film stars and other icons, who contribute absolutely nothing to the welfare of the country and on the contrary have been proven to be doing nefarious, anti-India activities all the time. We have given them a separate law to follow because we respect all religions! We are even talking of reservations for them in elite educational institutions! We give them subsidy to go to Mecca; something that even a Muslim country does not do for its citizens! Seven years ago or so when this Muslim **** of a painter painted goddess Saraswati as nude, what did the Hindus do – nothing. Rather the elitist Hindus appreciated it as a work of art! Just imagine this **** painting Prophet Mohammed like that? Will he live to see another day? I doubt it. Hindus now need Godse and Vallabhbhai Patel type of icons, not intellectuals. The intellectual role will come later, when the revolutionaries first wipe off all the dirt. Protests from other faiths“M. F. Husain has never showed any sign of being a Muslim, and we never accepted him as a Muslim!” - Mr. Iqbal M., Dear All, Moreover, his profession itself is un-Islamic; whatever he paints is un-Islamic, irrespective of good or bad paintings. As far as him painting the daughter of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him), that act itself is the sign of a non believer of Islam, as portraying the picture of anyone is strictly prohibited in Islam. Keeping the above in view, where is the question of him being a Muslim... I have signed the petition on the site (www.sanatan.org) and I believe all Muslims will sign this petition, if you make this available to them. Keep up the good work in this regard. “Husain has violated the laws of Islam (through his art)!”- Ms. Anwer, India. I am a resident of ... I came to know about this particular (M. F. Husain’s) painting only yesterday through an announcement made in an “arangetram” function. My first reaction was a feeling of "SHOCK" and then shame. It is a shameful act by a Muslim. It is highly unethical for anybody to use art in this form. I would like to highlight a few important aspects of Islam. First of all anything obscene is condemned in Islam. Actually a Muslim is not supposed to draw any figure (any living creature) in the name of art. It is considered a sin. A woman in Islam is given the highest status, as she adorns the place of a mother. Islam says "paradise lies in the feet of the mother". Thus, depicting a woman in such a form is so degrading and so shameful. Another aspect of Islam says that one should not put down another’s religion. My religion is great for me, your religion is great for you. As Husain has violated the laws of Islam, he will be punished by Allah the Almighty, and perhaps the government should take stern action against him. His painting should not be acknowledged.
Attention, Husain and the Indian government - the legendary patience of Hindus has been sorely tried!“Hindus should call for the Death Penalty for M. F. Husain!” - Mr. Nirvan Balkissoon, Namaskar, Muslims are calling for the killing of cartoonist who drew pictures of prophet Muhammad, which are nothing compared to Husain’s derogatory pictures of Hindu Deities. Hindus should also call for the death penalty for M. F. Husain. We must get hold of all Hindu organizations in India to take this matter further. (Sanatan Sanstha appeals for peaceful and legitimate means of protest. However, one can no longer ignore the sentiments of these Hindus. They are being driven to such thinking by the callous and repeated denigration perpetrated by the likes of Husain and the criminal disregard of the successive Indian governments in safeguarding the constitutional right of religious sentiments of India’s majority. The Indian government, with its criminal neglect of Hindu sentiment, will be solely responsible for any violence used by Hindus in this protest! – Editor.) |