Democracy means freedom. Freedom to think, speak and express. The last couple of decades have proved that it is one of the better options if not the best. Every citizen has equal rights and duties. But sadly everybody is ready to fight for his rights but no one cares about the duties.
In a democracy each and every citizen has a moral responsibility towards his country and countrymen. For starters nobody has the right to hurt a fellow citizen-physically or emotionally. So, a 94-year old celebrated artist paints nude pictures of Hindu gods and goddesses, it cannot be justified.
After being 'forced' out of the country by the Hindus, he was residing in Qatar for the last couple of years. So, finally M.F. Hussain accepted the Qatari citizenship. What followed were silent protests and noisy debates. But we all know that such issues are ephemeral.
As religion is deeply rooted in almost all Indians and it will be a foolhardy on anybody's part to think that Mr. Hussain would be ignorant of this reality. This is definitely not creative freedom. In a democracy if a handful of people's sentiments are hurt, it has to be condemned and we are talking about millions here. I am not holding a flag for the Hindus of India but the painter should have eschewed from such antics.
There will be some who may argue that in a country where more than half of the population goes to bed without a proper meal, these issues are frivolous but then Mr. Husain's becoming a Qatar citizen isn't a life changing moment for them. Neither our economy will crash nor will there be a tsunami. Furthermore, freedom of art doesn't allow anyone to hurt others feelings or ridicule his beliefs. Even freedom has its limit and there should be no ambiguity about it. The Indian constitution in Article 19(1A) recognises certain restrictions on freedom of expression in the interest of decency, morality and public order.
So, amidst this pandemonium, a great piece of news caught my attention and I was truly elated! His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be included in the next Indian census. A spiritual leader of a religion which preaches peace and non-violence, Dalai Lama is an inspiration for many. Living in exile for more than 50 years, he definitely deserves a respectable life. Moreover, the red dragon is hell bent on taking over Tibet, which is inevitable. So, being a secular country it becomes the duty of India to support his holiness. The good news for those who are mourning the egress of Mr. Husain is that they should take heart from the fact that they are getting The Dalai Lama in return. As the say, when a window closes a door opens.
P.S. Its good for Mr. Hussain that he settled in Qatar because seriously he would not have relished driving his 8 crore Bugatti Veyron supercar on Indian roads.
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