Holi War With Who Sain

Holi the colourful festival has an ancient origin and celebrates the triumph of good over bad. The colorful festival bridges the social gap and renews sweet relationships. This festival is about letting go whatever has happened, good or bad, and enjoying life together with family and friends.

But unfortunately tension prevailed in many parts of our country. There were clashes between different communities. It was very unfortunate that the writings and feelings of exiled Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen’s old article on Burqa was translated & published in a kannada news paper can cause so widespread violence and even deaths of our fellow people in Shimoga & Hassan In Karnataka.

Most of the religious differences are man made and are the result of narrowness and bigotry. Scholars & Saints have one common message for the entire world. Their message is one of Universal Love. No one, indeed, can prove his love of God unless he knows how to love his fellow beings.

Moreover on the colourful day, another controversial painter M F Hussain accepted Qatar’s citizenship. Political parties are worried for the vested interests. It is all handwork of political motivated fundamentalist. Indians should not clash with each other.

Taslima Nasreen writes a controversial article on Burqa & M FHussain makes nude pictures of Hindu Gods, they are honoured. And on the other side the common man is suffering, humiliated, stones pelted, shops, vehicles torched, even few innocent people are killed. M F Hussain & Taslima Nasreen is a threat to communal peace.

Can anyone explain, what is the significance of Art or literature for the common people? I think, It should rejuvenate us. If this basic purpose is not served and the artist doesn’t follow ethics in his Art or literary works and creates social mayhem then we need to just ignore such writers, Artist or Art work the law should take care to avoid such unpleasant incidents in future.

M F Hussain is a great painter & Forbes magazine has called him the "Picasso of India". But it doesn’t mean he can paint anything he wishes. He lacks socio religious sensitivity and is pathetic at respecting others.

I was shocked to read that Mr. Husain has more than 600 cases pending against him all over India for having painted various Hindu gods in the nude. Some of the Hindu nationalists are particularly upset with him.

The nude paintings of Hind Gods & Mother India are condemnable. Even as a Muslim I am the first to condemn such paintings. I will not be wrong to say that Mr. Hussain doesn’t know the tenets of Islam. As an artist he should know his barrier and must not cross those lines.

In fact Islam never gives permission to its followers to draw any nude paintings, or any other form of art which is obscene, be it God or Goddess & hurting the feelings or insulting the followers of other religion is also not acceptable in Islam. Mr. Hussain forgot the teachings of his religion

Few may argue that artists do not belong to any particular religion or country. Agreed art is art, But why doesn’t Mr. Hussain find inspiration in painting figures from some other religion in nude, why only Hindu deities?

One cannot escape by pointing at freedom of expression. It doesn’t mean that one can hurt others religious feelings in the name of freedom. Every freedom has its own limitations and parameters. Freedom must be exercised with responsibilities and due measure.

Some artists may defend M F Hussain by giving examples of nude sculptures in Hindu temples. What ever may be the reasons; there are several court cases in India against M F Hussain. He should be bold enough to come and face the court trials. The law will take proper action. Meanwhile, he should be given protection .That is how a democratic country India should deal with him.

Mr M F Hussain still it’s not too late. Please say sorry to the countrymen & come back to your motherland. If not you can choose Qatar or any other country. I hope you know that penalty for painting nude pictures in Qatar or Saudi is cutting the hands without any mercy or even Stone to death.

Mr. Hussain I know you are older than modern independent India. And I have read that as a child you struggled to make ends meet. During British India you have painted slogans against the rulers. And today your paintings are sold for astronomical amount. It is India which has given you name & fame. It is the time to live & die peacefully in the country where you have spend ninety years of your golden life. Come back to India.

You know much better, Saare Jahan se accha Hindustan hamara...

I am extremely sorry if my comments hurt M F Hussain fans. Like to share your valuable views.

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