Thiruvananthapuram: Renowned painter M F
Husain today said he has not abandoned India and accepted
Qatari citizenship because of "some technical reasons and
artistic conveniences".
Talking to Malayalam channel Manorama News from Dubai,
he said "I have not abandoned India. Though I consider myself
a world citizen, I am accepting Qatari citizenship because of
some technical reasons and artistic conveniences."
Husain, who could not come to Kerala to receive the
state government`s Raja Ravi Varma Award conferred on him two
years ago, said it was for the state government to remove
legal obstacles in his way.
"If the Kerala government is serious about Raja Ravi
Varma Award, it should try to remove the legal obstacles,"
Husain said when asked whether it was not time for him to come
to Kerala to receive it.
Husain was chosen for Kerala`s highest honour for
artistic excellence, instituted in memory of the renowned
Indian painter Varma, in 2008. But the government has not been
able to present it to him since he has been living abroad.
When the artist`s comments on the award were brought
to his notice, Kerala Culture Minister M A Baby said that
the state government would explore the possibility of
presenting the award to him.
He, however, said efforts by the Kerala government
alone was not enough to remove the legal obstacles. The Centre
should take steps to clear legal hurdles before the artist to
enable him come to India, he said.
PTI
