LONDON: The Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB) has asked organisers of an exhibition of the work of Indian artist Maqbool Fida Husain to withdraw the event on the ground that some images portrayed by him are offensive to Hindus.
The HFB is also backing the efforts of the Hindu Human Rights group who are organising protests against the exhibition at Asia House here. The exhibition is currently on until 5 August.
According to the HFB, the exhibition depicting Hindu deities in the nude has already caused considerable offence to many of the UK's700,000 based Hindus.
In a press release, the Forum recalled that Husain had apologised for a painting in which he represented Mother India as a nude goddess and following complaints withdrew it from a charity auction to raise money for the victims of the South Asia earthquake.
Ramesh Kallidai, secretary general of the Hindu Forum of Britain, said: ?Asia House claims to be the premier pan Asian organisation in Britain, to promote greater understanding of the rich and varied Asian cultures and economies but instead, by displaying these works, they are causing distress and hurt amongst Hindus across Britain and the world.
?As well as supporting the protests organised by the Hindu Human Rights group, we plan to make representations to Asia House to urge them to withdraw this exhibition.?
Hindu groups said they were dismayed that the High Commissioner of India inaugurated the exhibition despite the alleged offence felt by the Hindu community.
The Forum had urged Hindus in Britain to join the protest organised by Hindu Human Rights on May 27. The Asia House has in the meanwhile bowing to Hindu protests withdrawn the exhibition.
