Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condoled the demise of renowned social activist and labour leader Baba Adhav, recalling his decades-long work for labour welfare and marginalised communities.
“Baba Adhav Ji will be remembered for his efforts to serve society through various causes, notably empowering the marginalised and furthering labour welfare. Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” said PM Modi in a post on X.
Baba Adhav passed away in Pune on Monday at the age of 95. He was a towering figure in Maharashtra’s social justice and labour movements, dedicated more than six decades to securing rights for hamals, rickshaw drivers, construction workers and other informal-sector labourers. He founded several landmark worker-led initiatives, including the Hamal Panchayat, and championed impactful campaigns such as One Village – One Water Source. Deeply influenced by the ideologies of Shiv, Phule, Shahu and Ambedkar, he remained active in public causes until his final months.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also expressed grief, calling Adhav’s contributions “unparalleled”.
“Baba Adhav consistently fought for the rights of the deprived and unorganised sections of society. Maharashtra has lost one of its most distinguished social reformers,” he said.
(With agency inputs)
