How some Hindus respondSince its inception in Nov 2005, Sanatan Sanstha’s protest campaign against M. F. Husain has gained tremendous support and momentum through out the world. However, there has also been inaction from Hindus, and opposition from various quarters. It is noteworthy that all opponents of this protest campaign are none other than Hindus. To give an idea of the kind of counter productive thinking and behaviour runs among Hindus, we are presenting here a few examples of inaction and opposition in this campaign. A noted lawyer’s inaction after initial show of support During the first days of the campaign, we received letters vouching “unconditional legal support” from a noted lawyer (of Indian origin) outside India. However, upon contacting him as per his request, with queries about the requirements to start legal proceedings against M. F. Husain, we met with an incomprehensible, stoic silence. After several attempts to get his response by leaving messages for him in his email box, voice mail, and with his secretary, we had to give up. [If it is not possible for whatever reason to follow through on one’s promise of support, it would help to just inform us to that effect, so we would not waste their and our time contacting them. - Editor.] Accusing Sanatan Sanstha of promoting pornography“I am very much shocked to read and see that educated and those, who are regarding Indian heritage and Spirituality, are posting such images with full pornographic description on their reputed web site.” [Instead of shock being felt and expressed at the denigration perpetrated by M. F. Husain, it is being directed at those who are bringing it to attention! In Spirituality, intention is important. Click here to read about the importance of displaying the images on our website, “Intention behind displaying derogatory paintings”.
- Editor.] Accusing Sanatan Sanstha of promoting M. F. Husain’s denigration“If some evil person digitized your very own mother’s photo and publish it in an unknown book, will you scan those images and promote it on a wide scale on the Internet with full pornographic description?” [Defamation of one’s family members can be taken up via personal law suits, etc. However, denigration of Deities is a matter of public gravity and needs to be brought to the attention of the public. Further, there is a difference between bringing the denigration to attention and promoting it. If one spent a few moments reading through this campaign matter, it will become clear that it is protesting against the denigration, not promoting it!
- Editor.] Advising to turn a blind eye to the denigrating paintings“It is a great shame to put all those images of our God/Goddess and ask everybody to visit that site. It shows how much respect and faith we have for our Mother Durga and Mother Parvati. How can you see those images and put it on web?” [Defamation of one’s family members can be taken up via personal law suits, etc. However, denigration of Deities is a matter of public gravity and needs to be brought to the attention of the public. Further, there is a difference between bringing the denigration to attention and promoting it. If one spent a few moments reading through this campaign matter, it will become clear that it is protesting against the denigration, not promoting it!
- Editor.] Advising to protest only verbally“There are several other ways to protest. No need to have pornographic description of each image. You can have a sample, less harmful image with strong protesting words. (You can even say “Image is too graphic and disturbing to put on this web site.”) [The warning that the paintings are graphic and not appropriate for children has always been there on our site. It is interesting that you have still gone ahead and viewed them! - Editor.]
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