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By Staff Reporter
| According to assurance given to HJS, India International Centre (IIC) had declared that they have stopped the exhibition and will not display it again. But as per NDTV report, it is published that the exhibition will start under police protection. This exposes the flasehood of IIC. Hence, HJS will continue it's protest. |
Nude Bharatmata painting by Anti-national MF Husain |
The 11-day 'India in the Era of Mughals' exhibition attracted a large number of art lovers, including former Attorney General Soli Sorabjee on the last day on Friday, to the India International Centre where the 92-year-old artist's 20 grahic prints are on display.
Anticipating violence, police has deployed more personnel, including women, at the venue and the exhibition passed off incident-free, organisers and police said.
Visitors to the gallery were captured on camera and screened thoroughly, they said, adding the painting which was damaged in the attack was not put on display on Friday.
The exhibition ended a day after two activists of the Sena damaged the frame of a painting to protest its holding, alleging that Hussain had insulted Hindus by depicting their Gods and Goddesses in bad light.
The protestors had on Thursday threatened to disrupt the exhibition today also if the organisers went ahead with it.
This is the first major exhibition of Hussain's works in Delhi after a gap of about 20 years.
The exhibition ran into rough weather last week with the organisers deciding to suspend the display for a day last Saturday after curator Dolly Narang and the IIC received threat calls, allegedly from the Bajrang Dal.
Hussain's alleged obscene portrayal of Hindu Goddesses had invited the wrath of Sangh Parivar.
Source: news.indiainfo.com
Updates
- Hussain's exhibition continues amidst tight security even after Sena attack (29 Dec 07)
- Sena activists attack M F Husain exhibition; vandalise paintings (27 Dec 07)
- IIC to continue Hussain show; HJS to continue protest (23 Dec 07)
- Hussain's exhibition at New Delhi called off due to HJS' efforts ! (22 Dec 07)
- Thane (Maharashtra): HJS sent protest letter to organizer of MF Hussain' painting exhibition (20 Dec 07)
- New Delhi: Protest Hussain's exhibition containing nude Bharatmata! (19 Dec 07)
Sena activists attack M F Husain exhibition; vandalise paintings
December 27, 2007
New Delhi: Shiv Sena activists on Thursday attacked an exhibition of paintings by acclaimed painter M F Husain New Delhi, damaging two of his works on display.The activists managed to enter the art gallery at the famous India International Centre, despite a heavy police presence at the venue and prior information of Shiv Sainiks planning to attack the exhibition.Two Sainiks entered the hall in the guise of visitors to watch the 'India in the Era of Mughals' exhibition at around 4 pm They shouted slogans against the artist and damaged the frames of two paintings.One of the damaged paintings depicted Emperor Akbar and was priced at Rs 1.5 lakh. The second painting suffered minor damage as police overpowered them when they tried to damage it.
The activists shouted slogans like Balasaheb (Bal Thackeray) Zindabad, Shiv Sena Zindabad and M F Husain Murdabad besides distributing pamphlets, which threatened to disrupt any exhibition of Husain in the country.They were later taken to the police station.
Source: www.rediff.com
IIC to continue Hussain exhibition; HJS to continue protest
New Delhi: The board of directors at the IIC has decided to send out a strong message to anti-liberal forces. In the face of verbal and written threats from a Right-wing group for hosting an art exhibition of MF Hussain, the centre has decided that it will continue with the exhibition.
''We have decided that the exhibition will continue,'' said P C Sen, Director, India International Centre.The exhibiton in question was Husain's first large scale display in 19 years, which opened to rave reviews on Monday.
Just three days later, the India International Centre started receiving threatening calls and emails, forcing the director to suspend the exhibition on Saturday while the board met to decide on their response to these threats.
''A no of phone calls came, some people met officers, some spoke on the phone threatening and they demanded the exhibition to be closed,'' said P C Sen. After a day of high drama, the Board of Directors at the India International Centre finally decided that the show must go on.
But the fact that an exhibition at the country's premier liberal art centre had to be suspended for a day because of a threat, is perhaps a shame in itself. (Despite drawing nude paintings of 'Bharatmata' and Hindu gods & deities, MF Hussain has not yet been arrested. This is because of the anti Hindu Congress government and such media. Would they dare to take the same stand in the case of Muslims and Christians? - Editor)
Other Media Reports
1. Press Trust of India, Times of India
Bajrang Dal threat forces IIC to suspend Hussain show
New Delhi, Dec 22 (PTI) An exhibition of acclaimed painter M F Hussain, whose allegedly obscene portrayal of Hindu Goddesses had invited the wrath of Sangh Parivar, ran into rough weather in the national capital today after organisers received a threat purportedly from Bajrang Dal. The India International Centre, where Hussain's 'Mughal India' painting series are on dispaly, suspended the exhibition for today after it received the threats from Bajrang Dal, sources said.
The IIC had received the Bajran Dal threat which said it has to face "serious consequences" if the capital's high-profile cultural organisation continued to exhibit the works of the controversial artist, they said.
A group of youth, claiming to be members of the Hindutva outfit, went to the IIC and threatened the officials that they would have to face consequences if they continue with the hosting of this show, sources added.
Bajrang Dal Delhi unit president Ashok Kapur claimed the outfit's youth had gone to the venue to enquire about the exhibition and had told the exhibitors that Hussain had insulted India's culture and his works should not be displayed here.
A decision whether to restart the exhibition, which contains 20 paintings permanently dispalyed at Fida Museum in London, will be taken at a meeting of the IIC Directors later.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Hussain's exhibition at New Delhi called off due to HJS's efforts !
December 22, 2007
Mumbai (Maharashtra): Painter Maqbool Fida Hussain's ‘India in the era of Moghals', exhibition had been organised at the India International Center at New Delhi from December 18 to 28. M. F. Hussain has hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus by drawing nude paintings of Hindu deities and BharatMata. The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) had, through a protest letter, given a warning to stage an intense agitation against this photo exhibition. In response to HJS' appeal, many devout Hindus had launched their protest to the organizers through peaceful means. Today, after a follow-up questioning by the HJS in this regard, the organizers called off M.F. Hussain's exhibition immediately. This exhibition was going to be held up to 28th December 2007.
HJS' Mumbai co-ordinate Shri. Shivaji Vatkar contacted the organizer of the exhibition, Smt. Dolly Narang, after sending a written protest letter. However, Smt. Narang was not available, so he contacted the India International Center, where the exhibition had been put up and spoke to Mr. Rajesh who was available at the venue. He said, ‘I have information that the photo-exhibition is still being conducted despite the written protest lodged yesterday. This photo-exhibition is going to create serious issues, thus, I want to speak to a responsible person in this regard. Later, Shri. Vatkar spoke in detail with Shri. Bhattacharya, Deputy General Manager, India International Center. At the end of the conversation, Shri. Bhattacharya requested Shri. Vatkar that he was willing to withdraw only the objectionable paintings of Hussain. Upon this,Shri. Vatkar said, 'We object all of Hussain's paintings and exhibiting his paintings is akin to honoring him in a way and becoming a criminal by supporting one. To this, Shri. Bhattacharya replied that he would remove the nude BharatMata painting. Shri. Vatkar then explained to Shri. Bhattacharya about how ABN Amro Bank, Tao Art Gallery, Mumbai and Khushi organisation had withdrawn Hussain's paintings worth Rs. 6 crores due to HJS' agitation. To this, Shri. Bhattacharya replied that, our exhibition was going to be held up to the 28th December, but we will call it off on Monday, 24th December. Also, Saturday and Sunday are two public holidays. Here Shri. Vatkar made him understand that after realizing that organizing such an exhibition is a mistake and an offence in the first place, you must call it off immediately. I am grateful that you are going to remove the objectionable BharatMata painting and are going to call off the exhibition on 24th December instead of the 28th; but if you call it off with immediate effect, then I will be thankful to you from the bottom of my heart; because the HJS and other Hindu organisations are about to initiate steps against you.
I cannot say what will happen if you continue the exhibition till the 24th. To this, Shri. Bhattacharya responded that, ‘If this is the case, then I shall discuss the matter with my seniors immediately.' He requested Shri. Vatkar to fax the news published in the 'D.N.A.' and 'Society' magazine. Shri. Vatkar faxed all the relevant documents to him and telephoned him subsequently. Thereafter, Shri. Bhattacharya informed Shri. Vatkar that the authorities concerned were convinced about the matter and they had called off the exhibition immediately after a discussion.
Later, chief General Manager Shri. L.K. Joshi told Shri. Vatkar, 'We gather from you that there is an opposition to M.F. Hussain's paintings and this is a serious issue. We are grateful to you for this and we have called off the exhibition with immediate effect. To this, Shri. Vatkar said 'I am grateful that you have called off the exhibition and helped serve the mission of Dharma and the Nation. Please do not exhibit any of Hussain's paintings anywhere hereafter. Also, intimate me through a written letter that you have called off the exhibition as it will also serve as a reply to my yesterday's protest letter.' Shri. Joshi agreed to send a letter to such effect.
Protest 'Dharmadrohi' Governor of Rajasthan for inagurating exhibition!
The exhibition was inaugurated at the hands of the Shri. S. K. Singh, Governor of Rajasthan. Question the Dharmadrohi Governor of Rajasthan, Shri. S.K. Singh, for supporting M.F. Hussain and inaugurating the exhibition!
Contact details:
Tel: (Off) 0141-2228717, 2228792, 2228768
(Fax) / (Res): 0141-2228737
CNN-IBN Report
Hussein show in Delhi cancelled after threats
New Delhi: Painter M F Hussein's first show in India since he went into self-exile two years ago has been called off after an institute in Delhi which was exhibiting his works was threatened by alleged Hindu groups.
The 10-day exhibition at the India International Centre (IIC) started on December 18 but on Saturday the institute removed the prints after a person claiming to be a Shiv Sena official from Mumbai threatened to disrupt the show.
The digital prints of Hussein paintings is based on the movie Mughal-e-Azam were the first major exhibition of the artist's works in the country in 19 years. The original paintings lie in the permanent collection of the Fida Museum in London.
A little-known group called the Hindu Janjagruti Samiti claimed on its website the exhibition had been called off because of its "efforts".
The IIC has informed the Delhi Police about the threat.
Source: ibnlive.com
HJS sent protest letter to organizer of MF Hussain' painting exhibition
December 20, 2007Following is the protest letter sent by HJS
Hindu Janajagruti Samiti
Head Office: B/12, Bhagirathi Jagannath Apartment, Samantwadi, Uthalsar, Thane, Maharashtra 401 601.
Email: pravakta@hindujagruti.org
Telefax: 022-25478990 Website: www.hindujagruti.org
Smt. Dolly Narang,
The Village Art Gallery
New Delhi, 11003.
Fax No.: (011) 26853860
Email: art@thevillagegallery.co.in, thevillagegallery@hotmail.com
Dear Sirs,
Sub: Protest to remove M. F. Husian's paintings from Exhibition at India International Centre
This refers to news published in DNA and various newspapers in Mumbai that you are exhibiting M.F.Hussain's paintings. We tried to request you to stop exhibition of Husian's paintings, however it seems that you have gone ahead with your plans to hurt our religious sentiments and National pride. Please note that our protest is limited for auction/exhibition of M.F.Hussain's paintings only due to following reasons.
As you are aware, M.F. Husian has drawn nude and obscene paintings of Hindu Deities and Bharatmata. Thus he has hurted religious and National sentiments of crores of Hindus and Indians. More than 1,250 police complaints have been lodged against him and lot of court cases are going on against him throughout India. He has been accused of outraging religious sentiments, promoting enemity between different religious groups, selling obscene material and disturbing National integrity, thereby committing offences under several sections of the Indian Penal Code. He has also been accused of committing offenses under section 2 of the prevention of Insults to National Honour Act on account of certain paintings of Hindu deities and naked Bharatmata.
Further please note that Mumbai Police Special branch is investigating the matter and appropriate action would be taken against M.F. Hussain in due course. At this stage you are glorifying an accused person by putting his paintings and hurting our religious and National sentiments. Your action of inclusion M.F. Husain's paintings for your Noble objective is not justified, as Noble objective cannot be fulfilled at the cost of National Honour.
In view of aforesaid with you are requested not to exhibit/auction M.F.Hussain's paintings in your above exhibition/auction.
This protest letter is being sent you by fax/e-mail/courier. Please acknowledge and confirm the action taken in this matter.
Yours Truly,
S.G. Vatkar,
(For Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, Mumbai)
C.C.India International Centre 40, Maxmuller Marg, New Delhi,-110003
Fax No.: 011-246 27751
C.C.Hon.Governer, Shri.S.K.Singh,
Rajasthan. : It is politely submitted that the Rupdhar 2006 award offered by The Bombay Art Society and supposed to be given at the hands of Hon. Shri. S.M. Krishna was cancelled due to protest of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti.
C.C.Hon.Balsaheb Thakre, Shivsenapramukh,
Fax No: 22883535
Email: shivsenabhavan@shivsena.org, shivalaya@shivsena.org
With a request to help us to oppose exhibition/auction which includes paintings of anti-Hindu and Anti-National painter M.F.Hussain.
CC Shri. Vilasrao Deshmukh, Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra,
Fax no.: 22029214/23631446
With a request to help us cancellation of painting exhibition/auction which includes paintings of Anti-National painter M.F.Hussain as the matter to take action against M.F.Hussain is pending with State Government.
C.C. Respected Police Commissioner,
Crawford Market Mumbai,
Fax No.: 022 22613552.
With a request not to allow exhibition, which includes paintings of Anti-National painter M.F.Hussain, as this will further, hurt the National sentiments.
Protest Hussain's exhibition containing nude Bharatmata!
December 19, 2007New Delhi: In M F Hussain's first exhibition in India since his exile is from 18th December 2007 to 28th December 2007 at India International Centre in Delhi . (See DNA news* below). As confirmed by one Hindu visitor on 19-12-2007, there is also display of Nude Bharatmata painting.
(Hindus need to strongly protest against this anti-Hindu and anti-national painter who is continuing to rub salt on the wounds of Hindus and Bharatiyas by holding exhibitions in India residing abroad. Also those who support Hussain should be strongly condemned so that they do not dare to do such acts in future. - Editor)
Attempts to exhibit a controversial painting of Srikrushna depicting Akbar as secular
A painting exhibited in the exhibition shows Balkrushna seated on a swing whose strings are in the hands of Akbar. Jodhabai wearing a large spot of vermilion on her forehead is shown saluting Akbar. This is an attempt to depict Akbar as secular. (As per historical documentation of Muslims Akbar founded the secular Din-e-ilahi sect for unity of Hindus and Muslims. Using this reference modern history researchers have declared Akbar as secular, however the truth is exactly the opposite. The historical documentation of those days that this is a secular sect is a pure lie. When exposing the untruth of the 'Din-e-Ilahi' the late history researcher Shri. P.N. Oak in his book 'The rise and fall of the Mughals' in Marathi asks, 'If the 'Din-e-ilahi' was founded by Akbar then why does it not have even one follower today?' Muslim historians would write fake documentation only to please His Majesty the emperor and to seek favours from him. In reality the emperor's conduct and what history documents are contradictory. O Hindus beware of this deceitful secular nature of Muslims! - Editor)The details of the exhibition and addresses for protest are as follows
1. Venue: Indian International Center
40, Max Mueller Marg, New Delhi - 110003
2. Name and address of the organizer
The Village Gallery
14, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi
Tel : 26853860
Email - art@thevillagegallery.co.in, thevillagegallery@hotmail.com
website - www.thevillagegallery.co.in
3. Name of person in charge of exhibition : Ms. Dolly Narang (Mob. No. - 9810099901)
4. Telephone No. of gallery where exhibition is displayed - (011) 24619431
* News from DNA
Near, but yet so far
Riddhi Doshi
MF Hussain's first exhibition in India since his exile is welcomed in Delhi, but won't be coming to MumbaiTwenty of MF Hussain's recent works made in the summer of 2007 in London are on display and on sale at the India International Centre in Delhi. The two day long exhibition was inaugurated on Tuesday by the Governor of Rajasthan, SK Singh, and is MF Hussain's first full-fledged exhibition in India since he left he country.
The exhibition is a tribute to Indian cinema for which Hussain has taken inspiration from Dilip Kumar's 'Mughal-e-Azam'. Says gallerist Dolly Narang, who has organised the exhibition, "These prints are personally signed by Hussain. The show has been very peaceful here. The attendance is also quite good."
But when asked if she would bring down the the exhibition to Mumbai, Dolly says, "I am not too sure about that. I have heard that many galleries had to remove Hussain's works because of arm twisting by political and religious groups."
But while Delhi was clearly receptive to Hussain's paintings, even the Rajasthan Governor couldn't help but note, "Only a handful of people object to nudity in his paintings. But to me, Hussain represents the story of Gandhiji, the beauty of the naked truth. Nudity is one of the greatest things we Hindus have accepted, be it in Ajanta-Ellora or Khajuraho." What bigger irony that the city which Hussain still calls home has little place or patience for even his paintings.
http://www.dnaindia.com/report
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