Namaste,

We just came to know about the inclusion of paintings by M. F. Husain at your upcoming exhibition, starting 7th August 2009.

Please note that M. F. Husain is wanted by the Indian police and the Honorable Courts of India in over 800 court cases, for deliberately hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus through his paintings denigrating Hindu Deities and sacred symbols. Here are some news for your reference:

1. Husain's exhibition cancelled; exhibitor booked! Painting Confiscated!

2. As per the news, the Indian Central Home Ministry has directed the Police Commissioners of Mumbai and Delhi to initiate appropriate action against the anti-Hindu painter M F Husain. His Bharatmata (Mother India) painting is under scrutiny by the Indian central government. Bureaucrats are also unwilling to give a go-ahead to any public exhibition of this artwork.

3. Husain's paintings excluded from India's most prestigious Art show
 

4. There are worldwide ongoing protests against the denigration caused by Husain, as can be seen on the below websites

• Sanatan

• Hindu Janjagruti Samiti

Husain has also invited the displeasure of Muslim leaders and various Government officials from around the world. For example, Ruth Bennett, former Acting Public Affairs Officer of the US State Government responded to our protests, thus: 'Thank you for alerting us to your concerns over the auction of paintings by artist M. F. Husain in New York.  I appreciate that his work is controversial and has angered many.' Ms. Bennett advised us to make our views known to auction houses exhibiting Husain's paintings.

The honorable courts of India have already summoned and issued warrants against Mr. Husain in various cities like Indore, Delhi, etc., since mid-March 2006, for hurting religious sentiments and creating communal disharmony. That is why M. F. Husain has been cited as absconding to UK and Dubai.

By including Husain's paintings in the upcoming exhibition, Brattleboro Museum would be aiding and abetting a man wanted by the Indian courts and the Indian government for deliberately hurting Hindus' religious sentiments. However, excluding his paintings from your exhibition would reiterate the welcome message of the UN ex-Secretary General, Kofi Annan about the violence that broke out over the Danish caricatures of Prophet Mohammad, "We must stress that rights carry with them an inherent responsibility, and should not be used to degrade, humiliate or insult any group or individual."

We look forward to your understanding and a prompt removal of M. F. Husain's paintings from your exhibition.

Sincerely,

Bhavna Shinde

www.ForumForHinduAwakening.org