Last week saw the launch of Maqbool Fida Husain's artwork at the Asia House Gallery, London. Asia House has been coined the 'premier pan Asian organisation in Britain, promoting a greater understanding of the rich and varied Asian culture' and MF Husain is supposedly 'India's most renowned artist'who was awarded a Padma Shree (Indian Knighthood) in 1989 for his works. Why is it, however, that such a controversial artist can be awarded such acclaim when much of his work has served to offend Hindus worldwide? MF Husain has, over the years, become renowned for the denigrating erotic - and often pornographic - images he paints of our Hindu Gods and Goddesses in the nude. NHSF (UK) finds it extremely insulting that Asia House has chosen to advertise the exhibition using Husain's graphic and distasteful image of one our most revered Goddesses, Durga, in addition to other offensive images that are on display at the exhibition. Secondly, why is that the High Commissioner of India has endorsed and promoted the work of an Indian National who insults Hindu Dharma in such a way, by inaugurating the exhibition and praising his "art"?

NHSF (UK) do not condemn freedom of expression through art however, we do condemn the wrongful portrayal of Hinduism through art, media and marketing for commercial gain, which ultimately serves to offend the sentiments of thousands of Hindus worldwide. The continued defamation of our Dharma in such a manner cannot carry on. Therefore we implore the British Hindu youth to mobilise their power and take a stand against such incidents. If each individual does the three things listed below then we really can make a difference. Please don't be passive. Support the cause. Be active, Be NHSF.

NHSF object to the decisions made by Asia House in its choice of pieces by MF Hussain to be exhibited. M.F Hussain's depiction of Hindu feminine deities has been deemed offensive for many years, and remains a sensitive issue for Hindus throughout the world. In light of this, and their role as a promoter of harmony amongst regional and/or religious culture, Asia House has made a grave error of judgement in displaying the works they have selected.

As a body, we embrace the concept of artistic freedom and representation, and have a great appreciation of art and all forms of expression, as the many student members of our body who are studying these areas can vouch. As such, we are greatly appreciative of the work Asia House does in promoting Eastern arts and thoughts.

However, against this background, MF Hussain does have a responsibility that comes with his artistic license. He may have produced what is perceived as worthy modern art, and he is celebrated for that; but in theses pieces at least, he has purposely neglected his responsibility. We hope that Asia House, at least, will not be so negligent, and that this gross mistake will have been addressed. We feel Asia House are, at best, controversially naive, and at worst offensively ignorant in deeming the paintings 'Durga' and 'Draupadi' as suitable for exhibition, and request that they act appropriately in view of Hindu sensibilities and opinion.