October 24, 2007
Mumbai : An exhibition displaying exceptional Indian paintings was held at 'House of Lords' in Europe. In this exhibition, paintings by anti-Hindu artist, M. F. Hussain were also included. From 25 th October 2007, similar private and special exhibition will be held at 'Tao Art Gallery' It was learnt that initially, there was a plan to exhibit paintings by Hussain; but as Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) got the wind of it, it requested the organizers and police for excluding Hussain's paintings.

On learning about Hussain's paintings to be put up in the exhibition, Shri. Shivaji Vatkar, Mumbai district coordinator of HJS wrote a protest letter to Smt. Kalpana Shah, the Director of 'Tao Art Gallery', a copy of which was sent to Shri. Vilasrao Deshmukh, the Chief Minister and Worli Police Station. Later, Shri. Vatkar contacted Shri. Bharat Worlikar, Senior Police Inspector at Worli Police Stataion and appealed to him that Hussain's paintings should not be displayed in the exhibition as similar exhibition held in August had hurt religious sentiments of Hindus. Shri. Worlikar assured Shri. Vatkar of calling up the Art Gallery. After calling up the Art Gallery, Shri. Worlikar informed Shri. Vatkar that Hussain's paintings would not be displayed in the exhibition. (Congratulations to Shri. Worlikar, the Senior Police Inspector for taking prompt action and prevent causing harm to Dharma – Editor). When Shri. Vatkar contacted Tao Art Gallery, Smt. Shah not only assured him that Hussain's paintings would not be there but also invited him to see the exhibition. Even on earlier occasion, Hussain's paintings were put up in the exhibition and members of HJS had requested Smt. Shah to remove such paintings which she did.

Source : 'Daily Sanatan Prabhat'

See Further

1. Sachin Tendulkar visits Husain: HJS demands apology
2. Hussain selected for Raja Ravi Varma Award by Kerala Govt ...