Nation pays rich tributes to Husain

New Delhi, Jun 9 (PTI) Indian President Pratibha Patil
and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday led the nation in
paying rich tributes to legendary artist M F Husain even as
the Indian government regretted that he had to live outside
the country because of some "narrow-minded" people.
Condoling the death of Husain, the President said, he
was a world renowned artist whose extra-ordinary style made
him a celebrity on his own right in the arena of contemporary
paintings.
"A man of multi-dimensional talent, his death would
create a deep void in the world of art and creativity. He also
brought glory to the house as a Parliamentarian," she said.
Indian Vice President Ansari said Husain, a "legend of
art of our times", was a keen observer of national evolution
which was reflected in his art while Singh described the
95-year-old painter's death as a "national loss". Lok Sabha
(lower house of Indian Parliament) Speaker Meira Kumar said
his death created a "vacuum in the creative world".
"To most Indians, he came to represent modern Indian
art," Ansari said.
Describing Husain as an "eminent and respected"
personality, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni
said it was true that he got displeased at many instances and
he did express his displeasure, but the government and many
NGos tried to reason out with him.
"He was invited to India ...I do not remember on how
many occasions. It's very unfortunate that narrow minded
people look at art and creativity with same perspective, but
the majority of Indian people have never supported their
views," Soni said when asked about protests against him and
his paintings by right-wing activists.
"As far as change in citizenship is concerned, I
myself listened to one of his interviews where he cited work
and lifestyle as reasons for changing citizenship. I don't
think he stopped loving his country," Soni said.
Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, who has been a bitter
critic of Husain for his painting depicting Hindu dieties in
"poor light", said prayed for peace to the soul of the artist.
"Damage may have been caused to modern art due to
his demise. Thats all. May Allah give him peace," Thackeray
said.
He went on to add: "as an artist, everyone has a
domain and Husain handled his modern art with zeal. However,
he 'slipped' while drawing paintings of Hindu gods and
goddesses."
However, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj
Thackeray said all controversies related to paintings of
renowned painter Husain should be laid to rest with his
demise.
"Husain was a national asset and his contribution to
the field of Indian art can never be overlooked. Whatever
controversies happened should be laid to rest with his passing
and if his family wishes to bring back the mortal remains
home, it should be allowed," Raj said.
He said Husain should be accorded appropriate respect.
The MNS president, himself a cartoonist, said
Pandharpur-born Husain was deeply associated with western
Indian state Maharashtra where his art blossomed and gained
international recognition.
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit also condoled the
demise of the renowned painter and described him as an artist
who promoted modern art in India.
Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader
Sitaram Yechury described Husain as one of India's foremost
artists and creative personalities who contributed to art to
take forward the syncretic civilisation that India is.
Expressing deep sorrow, Indian National Congress
President Sonia Gandhi in her condolence mesage said the world
of art has lost its doyen in the death of Husain.
Indian Minister of Culture and Housing and Urban
Poverty Alleviation, Kumari Selja too offered condolences,
terming Husain's death as a grievous loss to the world of Art.
She said in his death, India has lost a true artistic
genius.
"As a true citizen of the world and as a restless
creative soul and an eternal traveler, M F Husain was among
the pioneers who spread the message of India's art across the
globe," she said.