Hurt by the recent outbreak of communal unrest in several parts of West Bengal, a 76-year-old Muslim man has decided to return the prestigious award conferred upon him by former President of India, Shankar Dayal Sharma, in recognition of his lifelong dedication to restoring 42 once-collapsing Hindu temples in East Midnapore district.
Born into a Muslim family, Yasin Pathan’s heart found purpose not within rigid boundaries of religion but in the spiritual resonance of history and heritage. Since childhood, his unwavering dedication lay in preserving ancient Hindu temples—an act that often earned him criticism from both Hindu and Muslim hardliners.
Yet, undeterred by venomous opposition and communal hostility, he devoted his life to a cause few dared to undertake.
A few kilometres from Midnapore town, nestled on the banks of the serene Kangsabati River, stand 42 once-collapsing Hindu temple structures—now breathing with renewed life, thanks to Yasin's painstaking efforts. These temples, crafted from Makra stone and adorned with intricate terracotta designs, owe their resurrection to his tireless resolve. His work gave birth to the ‘Mandirmay Pathra’, a sacred landscape once lost to time.
In recognition of his extraordinary efforts in promoting communal harmony and cultural preservation, the then-President of India honoured him with the prestigious Kabir Samman in 1994. It was a rare acknowledgment of a man who had set a shining example of unity through silent service.
But today, that honour weighs heavy on Yasin’s heart.
Amid recent outbreaks of communal unrest in various pockets of West Bengal, a disillusioned and deeply hurt septuagenarian has announced his decision to return the Kabir Samman. In a poignant message shared on social media, he wrote, “I have made a big mistake by preserving 42 ancient temple structures that had remained destroyed for 52 years. Forgive me, merciful God-Allah!”
His words echoed not regret for his life’s work, but profound sorrow at the deterioration of the very harmony he had worked so hard to preserve.
Yasin hails from Hatihalka village, adjacent to Pathra—the very land that shaped his identity and mission. With a heavy heart, he said, “I have been restoring Hindu temples since my childhood. I never imagined witnessing a day when brother would turn against brother in the name of religion.”
The erosion of communal unity has left him both fearful and broken. Videos of recent violence have gone viral on social media, shaking even the once-fearless Yasin.
A play based on his life is scheduled to be performed on May 3 in Ashoknagar, South 24 Parganas. The organisers extended a warm invitation to him—but for the first time, he finds himself too frightened to attend. “I will not attend the event,” he said.
In the past, his conviction had led him to travel from Medinipur to Delhi, petitioning for temple restoration with such passion that the then Deputy Chairperson of the Planning Commission, Pranab Mukherjee, sanctioned Rs 20 lakh for the cause. The Archaeological Survey of India began work in 1998, and five years later, 34 temples and monuments in Pathra were revived—largely due to Yasin’s relentless push for action.
But today, as the social fabric he worked so hard to mend unravels before his eyes, Yasin Pathan’s return of the Kabir Samman stands as a quiet, powerful protest—a voice of heartbreak from a man who once believed that history and harmony could triumph over hate.
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