Date:13/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/13/stories/2007051304440800.htm

National

M.F. Husain to receive Raja Ravi Varma Prize

Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Artist M.F. Husain will receive the Raja Ravi Varma Prize, instituted by the State Government, here in September.

Mr. Husain, who is in virtual exile on account of death threats and court cases against him in the country, promised to visit Kerala to receive the prize when the Minister for Education and Culture M.A. Baby conveyed to him the decision of the selection committee over phone. Though Mr. Husain initially expressed some apprehensions, Mr. Baby told him that he would be the State guest in Kerala.

The artist told the Minister that he would be proud to receive the prize.

Selection committee chairman Vivan Sundaram, who also spoke to artist, said that Mr. Husain was moved by the award.