PB Condoles Demise of M F Hussain

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 Hussain. Born in Maharashtra's temple town, Pandharpur, Hussain 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, Hussain richly contributed in advancing India's syncretic civilizational 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 Hussain had to stay away from India in a self-imposed exile since 2006. The CPI(M) had steadfastly protested against the harrasment of Hussain 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 Hussain to India. Hussain's death must galvanise the movement to safeguard and strengthen the syncretic civilizational 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.