New Delhi: Controversial painter M F Hussain, filmmaker Shyam Benegal, sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan and noted Urdu novelist late Qurratulain Hyder were today conferred honourary doctorates by Jamia Milia Islamia University here for their contribution in their respective fields.

Hussain, who is in self-exile, could not attend the convocation where about 3000 students from various faculties were given away degrees. Hussain's son Samshad Hussain received the Degree of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) from the varsity Chancellor Fakhruddin T Khorakiwala.

"We are giving the honour to Hussain in absentia. We prey for his return to the country soon," Khorakiwala said. Varsity vice chancellor Prof Mushirul Hasan announced that an art gallery, the construction of which is nearing completion, will be dedicated to the painter.

"Maqbool Fida Hussain, the most respected artist of our times, is not with us on this occasion. We nevertheless acknowledge his contribution to the work of art and uphold his right to creatively express his ideas and thoughts," he said.

Describing Hussain's paintings as "a profound encounter with civilizational archetypes" where the mythic and the secular collide, Hasan said the paintings are epic encounters with myths, legends and histories drawing from a multitude of cultures including Arabic, Persian, Greek as well as regional and tribal traditions.

Source : PTI