People's Democracy

PB Condoles Demise of M F Husain

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), when in session at Hyderabad, issued the following statement on June 10, 2011.

THE Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) deeply mourns the demise of one of modern India's most iconic artists Maqbool Fida Husain. Born in Maharashtra's temple town, Pandharpur, Husain grew up in Indore with his father, having lost his mother in childhood.

Apart from his signal contributions, through his paintings and other creative activity, in strengthening the aesthetic traditions of India, Husain richly contributed in advancing India's syncretic civilisational ethos. Though he passed away at this ripe old age of 95, his absence would be dearly felt in this respect.

It is most unfortunate that Husain had to stay away from India in a self-imposed exile since 2006. The CPI(M) had steadfastly protested against the harassment of Husain by the Hindutva communal forces. It is a pity that the government of the day did not heed the voice of powerful solidarity in the country to facilitate the return of Husain to India. Husain's death must galvanise the movement to safeguard and strengthen the syncretic civilisational ethos of India, firmly adhering to secular democratic traditions.

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) conveys its deep felt condolences to Hussain's family members, activist-painter son Shamshad and other members of the artist fraternity.