M F Husain, Art & Citizenship

Why should there be so much "heat" about M F Husain settling down in Qatar? After all, so many eminent Indians have adopted citizenship in other countries. Most have done so because that is "better" for them in so many ways. So has M F Hussian, except that bigotry left him with little choice in his old age. So, let us not question the decision. May be if had chosen Switzerland, it would have been a very "cool" thing to do!

Is Qatar citizenship the issue? Or, is it of any Indian of some eminence, choosing another country over Motherland?

If it is the later, then Husainsab is not alone. Why single him out?

Every artist, scientist, writer, or poet may not be a bull fighter who can stand up to all sorts of attacks. Among intellectuals, there are so many who had sought asylum, had been banished, hounded out or gone into self-imposed exile for various reasons.

Husain's art transcends boundaries. It is unfortunate that a situation is created where he cannot work and live in peace in India. This would, perhaps, be the case, even if he was not born here, given the bigots and their views on some of his works.

The heart of the matter is neither patriotism nor citizenship.

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