Exhibition of paintings on secularism at Chaitya Bhoomi

On the eve of the 63rd death anniversary of Dalit icon Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, a two-day exhibition of paintings based on the theme of secularism was inaugurated at Chaitya Bhoomi at Dadar in central Mumbai on Wednesday.

Lakhs of followers of Dr Ambedkar from various parts of the country visit Chaitya Bhoomi on his death anniversary on December 6 every year.

The Secular Movement, Maharashtra has organised this exhibition to mark the day.

More than 30 paintings of noted artists, including Pramodbabu Ramteke, Moggalani Shravasti, Prakash Bhise, Dilip Badhe, Farooque Nadaf and others, are on display.

"The theme of the painting exhibition is secularism. Only secularism can stop the communal paranoia that is rising in the society these days," said Gautamiputra Kamble, president of Secular Movement.

Painters from Kolhapur, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Allahabad and Satara have showcased their art at the exhibition, he said.

Bharat Shelke, retired assistant commissioner of police and vice president of the organisation said, "After the exhibition, the Secular Movement will also bring together at least 1,000 artists from across the country under the banner of 'Artists Against Communalism' and they will display secularism through their paintings.