mediawatchwatch.org.uk

42 scholars of South Asia have published a letter in the Guardian calling for the reinstatement of the MF Husain exhibition. They strongly condemn the Hindu Forum of Britain and Hindu Human Rights.

The Hindu Forum of Britain and Hindu Human Rights accuse Asia House of not “consulting” with them before putting on the exhibition. Consultation should not be a requirement for artistic expression.
These are unelected groups, not known for consulting democratically with the community before putting pressure on others in the name of Hinduism. Their actions would not be sanctioned by most Hindus. Hindu traditions have an extensive history of diverse representations of deities, include nude and erotic images of gods and goddesses. Hinduism has never possessed a concept of censorship of the kind that these authoritarian groups wish to promote. We urge Asia House to reopen this exhibition – by doing so it will honour the rich and diverse traditions of expression arising from Hinduism and from India.

All 42 signatories can be seen at Awaaz – South Asia Watch, “a UK-based secular network of individuals and organisations committed to monitoring and combating religious hatred in South Asia and in the UK”.