Dear John, Sachin and others, Several Goanetters have illustrated here that Hussein has in no way insulted or abused Gods with the nude abstract representations in his canvasses. And neither are we abusing God by standing up for Hussein. This issue should therefore be seen in its right perspective.
Each thing is meant for a specific purpose. When pamphlets with pictures of Gods are distributed to us, where do these pamphlets end up eventually? In the garbage cans right? So does that mean that we are showing disrespect to God? Certainly not! In a similar way, Paintings are not meant for worship, they are meant to be hung on the walls in our houses and the art in it needs to be appreciated. Art is very individualistic. Tastes would vary from person to person. Someone may like Classical Art, others would appreciate abstract Art, yet others would take to modern Art. You may not like Hussein's art and you may have your own reasons. We do not grudge you for that. But also accept the fact that there are others in this world who like Hussein's Art. Why do you want to deny these people the opportunity to appreciate the same? Hussein's Paintings on Hindu Gods were made for Hindus & they adorn the walls of the rich and the famous Hindus. Besides, he was not the one who splashed his art on hoardings across the Country so if at all your sentiments are being hurt, you are barking up the wrong tree. You need to direct your ire at the Radical groups who are inciting the flames of hatred, by splashing his 30-year old paintings on pamphlets and on the internet with misleading captions. Incidentally, in its recent Judgment on Hussein's Art, the Delhi court referred Hussein's case as a typical example of an artist facing the ire of "the types who would not go to art galleries or have interest in contemporary art...because if they did, they would know that there are many artists who embrace nudity as part of contemporary art." "We have been called the land of Kamasutra," the judge observed, "then why is it that in the land of Kamasutra, we shy away from its very name? Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder and so does obscenity." The Artist community, i.e. those who really do understand Art have all rallied solidly behind Hussein. They have even written to the PM that he deserves the BharatRatna, the Nation's highest civilian honour. This issue should therefore be seen for what it is: An assault on Freedom of Expression. Today it is him and Govind Raj Bhandare. Tomorrow it could be you & Day after Me! This is what we all are standing up for. In Marcaim some months back, several thousand Hindus attended a Dharmasabha organized by the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti where our "National icon" was sadly projected as a Perverted Artist. Another Dharmasabha was organized in Cancona and a third one was held in Margao more recently. India's most celebrated Artist thus finds himself being murdered on regular basis, that too in the presence of thousands of Hindus. So in the face of such assaults on him in Goa, is this not an issue of paramount importance? A few sentiments may be hurt in the process but so what? There was a time when even "Sati" was not being questioned on the grounds that it was mandated by religion. But Sati has been banned now with reformative actions. Throughout history, you would note that Societies have been progressing only in this manner. Our ancestors gave up their lives to give us the greatest gift of all, the gift of Freedom and democracy. Our support to Hussein is on these grounds: that his fundamental rights and civil liberties were being taken away from him. On this note, may I remind you of the words of Shiv Khera who says: "If injustice is done to your neighbour and you sleep wait for your turn. You are Next!" If things like these are allowed to go on, a time would perhaps come when we ourselves are attacked and hounded for an article that we may write, for the clothes that we may wear, for a song that we may compose, etc. Forums like these can help to counter such irrational thoughts and behavior. I myself was the victim of one such incident over a banner that we had installed in the Mahalaxmi Temple during our Ganeshotsav festival program. The Radical groups are using Hussein as a rallying point in Goa to gain base for themselves. Their actions need to be nipped in the bud before our society flares up. Please understand that we are not here for one-upmanship and for fun and games. It's just that we do not want our free thoughts to be limited like it's happenning in Gujarat and in some other parts of the Country. The essence of democracy needs to be followed in letter and spirit. Cheers Sandeep p.s The English language is replete with illustrations, phrases, nuances, idioms, etc where the words should not be taken literally. Ditto with Hussein's paintings! But John seems to be doing just that when he scientifically tries to explain that Ostriches do not bury their heads in the sand. Fortunately, I think John did not read an older post of mine in which I had mentioned that we are up in arms against a particular construction in Alto St. Inez. Probably he would have registered a complaint against all of us under "POTA". :-)
