Lines from the iconic protest poem were allegedly used in Anita Dube’s recent art exhibition, sparking outrage over creative theft and ethical violations in the art world
NEW DELHI – Prominent poet Aamir Aziz has accused internationally acclaimed artist Anita Dube of using his widely circulated poem “Sab Yad Rakha Jaye Ga” without his consent, credit, or compensation. He called the act “creative theft” and described it as an illegal and unethical move within the art community.
On Sunday, the Jamia Millia Islamia alumnus Aziz took to social media to express his dismay, stating: “My poem ‘Sab Yad Rakha Jaye Ga’ has been used by internationally renowned artist Anita Dube without my knowledge, consent, credit or compensation.”
The poem, which gained popularity during the anti-CAA protests in early 2020, was originally published on Aziz’s YouTube channel. According to Aziz, he learned on 18 March that lines from his poem had been featured in Dube’s recent show at Vadehra Art Gallery in Delhi, titled “Three-Story House.”
In an Instagram post, Aziz identified four separate artworks in which his poem’s lines were allegedly used. The pieces, described as abstract works combining fabric, wood and paint, featured textual elements derived from his poem.
“This is not an attempt to strengthen art,” said Aziz. “It is an attempt to destroy it. My words are being stolen and turned into profit without even asking me. It’s not just about me, but about respecting creative boundaries.”
The Vadehra Art Gallery, in response to the allegations, has confirmed that the works in question will not be sold until the issue is resolved.
When contacted by Scroll, Dube acknowledged her lapse and said she had reached out to Aziz. “Aamir Aziz’s poem is very dear to me. Its lines circulate in my mind. The purpose of quoting the words of his poem was to draw inspiration from him,” she said.
“I realise that I have committed an ethical lapse in giving credit. I have called Aamir and apologised to him and offered compensation, but Aamir chose to send a legal notice,” Dube added.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion in artistic circles about the ethics of borrowing from others’ creative work. Many artists and galleries have come out in support of Aamir Aziz, condemning the act of using a poet’s words without acknowledgement.
One Delhi-based curator, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “We often walk a fine line between inspiration and appropriation, but credit is the minimum one should give. This isn’t just about legal rights, but about artistic integrity.”
Another artist posted on social media: “Aamir’s poem belongs to a moment in history. It echoed a public resistance. Using it without permission is not homage, it’s erasure.”
While Dube has expressed her willingness to resolve the matter, Aziz’s legal team is reportedly preparing to pursue the case further. No formal statement has yet been released from either party’s lawyers.
As the debate continues, the incident has underscored a growing concern in the creative world: the need for transparent collaboration and respect for intellectual property.
The poet concluded his post with a firm reminder: “Sab kuch yaad rakha jaye ga — everything will be remembered. Especially acts that undermine the very soul of art.”
