The Hindu : New Delhi News : Jamia to honour M. F. Husain

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Oct 03, 2007
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New Delhi

New Delhi

Jamia to honour M. F. Husain

Parul Sharma

Convocation ceremony on October 30

Three more artistes to be honoured by the university

NEW DELHI: Jamia Millia Islamia has decided to confer an honorary degree on celebrated painter M. F. Husain at its convocation ceremony here on October 30. “Husain has agreed to accept the honour. But as far as his gracing the occasion is concerned, he has not said no and we don’t know if he will be able to make it. We wish to express our solidarity with the beleaguered artist,” said Jamia media coordinator Rakhshanda Jalil.

Born in Maharashtra, Husain became a well-known artist in the late 1940s. He later joined F. N. Souza’s Progressive Artists’ Group, one of the most influential set of modern artists in the country at that time. Winner of many State awards, the painter has also produced and directed movies like the Madhuri Dixit-starrer “Gajagamini”.

Later some of his art works became controversial because of the manner in which they portrayed Hindu deities.

Several artists and cultural activists have been campaigning for his return to his motherland.

Apart from the 92-year-old painter, the University will also confer degrees on sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal and eminent Urdu writer Qurratulain Hyder (posthumously).

“Like the rest of the world, we hold all four of them in high esteem as makers of modern India,” said Ms. Jalil

Established on October 29, 1920, Jamia will celebrate the 87th year of its existence this year. The Founder’s Day will also mark the beginning of a week-long festival – “Talimi Mela”.

Chief guest

Vice-President Hamid Ansari will be the chief guest, while Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh will be the guest of honour.

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