MS University student rusticated over ‘objectionable’ artworks seeks PM’s time

VADODARA: Kundan Kumar Mahato, a student of M S University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, who was rusticated after a row over ‘objectionable’ artworks last month has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help him continue his education.
Mahato, a student of the sculpture department, had come under attack from right-wing outfits last month for his artworks that had newspaper clippings of reports on rapes and sexual assault on women. The cuttings were made in the shape of various Hindu goddesses.
After the protest, MSU had constituted an inquiry and later rusticated him. Mahato was also arrested and later released on bail on June 8.
In a letter circulated through his advocate, the student said that he belongs to a very poor family situated in a small village in Bihar.
“I am a son of a daily wage labourer and our annual income comes under the below poverty line. My intentions were not heard or considered and I had been accused and punished for a crime that I never did,” the letter states, seeking a meeting in person with PM who is scheduled to visit Vadodara on Saturday.
Urging the PM to help him continue his education, he said he belongs to the faculty which currently holds an active MoU with the Central Vista project.
“My intention was not at all to hurt religious sentiments, on the other hand, my work tried to voice against the violence and injustice that happen to women in our country where women are worshipped as goddesses. I felt pained which led me to express it through my art,” the letter states, adding that his father is an illiterate who struggles to educate him.