Theorama Series by M.F Husain

The Theorama series was born out of a collaboration between, the Hinduja Foundation and Maqbool Fida Husain, to create a series of 10 paintings representing various world religions. The idea was conceptualized by Srichand P Hinduja who wished to promote religious tolerance through paintings. However, it was challenging to convince M. F Husain to execute this project since he was primarily known for painting Ganeshas, female forms and horses. Nonetheless, Husain finally agreed to the project and painted the series over two weeks in a chalet in Switzerland.

The paintings were named 'Theorama,' and Husain included a handwritten note about each religion represented on the canvas. Husain painted and represented the 9 religions as Vedic, Islamic, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism and Taoism. Husain also painted a 10th panel titled Humanism.

Theorama represents a new way of looking towards the future of humankind, where the essence is to attain happiness and rise above conflicts. The ten panels of paintings represent the mysterious glow of sublime faith that has illuminated human consciousness through the ages. The paintings were first shown in 1994 and later reproduced as prints in 1995, which were well-received globally. In 1999, the paintings' message of building tolerance and understanding was adopted by British Prime Minister Tony Blair as a pledge for a better and peaceful world in the new millennium. The paintings encourage the eradication of prejudices and discrimination to enable society's prosperity through economic growth. Theorama aims to spread the message of 'One Humanity. One Divinity'. Theorama represents human aspirations free from prejudices, hatred, and anger, and it is a simple mantra to create a better world for future generations.