Veteran labour rights champion and noted social reformer Dr. Baba Adhav passed away in Pune on Tuesday at the age of 95. He had been undergoing treatment at Poona Hospital. His death marks the end of an era in Maharashtra’s grassroots social movements, with leaders across the country expressing condolences.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute, describing Adhav as a relentless advocate for the marginalised and a lifelong voice for the working class. State leaders and activists also hailed his contributions, calling his legacy “historic and irreplaceable”.
A Lifelong Commitment to Informal Workers
For more than six decades, Baba Adhav dedicated his life to improving the conditions of workers in the informal sector — including hamals (head-loaders), rickshaw drivers, construction labourers, and street vendors. His sustained campaigns ensured that the concerns of unprotected labourers entered the mainstream policy discourse.
Key Reforms and Movements
One of his most influential initiatives was the Hamal Panchayat, established as a collective platform to organise and secure rights for manual labourers. He also led the widely recognised One Village, One Water Source movement, advocating equitable access to basic resources and dignity in rural life.
These efforts not only mobilised thousands of workers but also helped shape forward-looking legislation and welfare mechanisms for unorganised labour.
Tributes and National Recognition
Political leaders, labour unions, civil society groups, and citizens paid homage to the late activist. Maharashtra’s leadership described Adhav as a “pillar of reform” whose work fundamentally transformed labour movements in the state.
Exam-Oriented Key Facts
- Dr. Baba Adhav was a leading figure in Maharashtra’s labour rights and social justice movements.
- Founder of Hamal Panchayat, an organisation working for unorganised labourers.
- Led campaigns such as One Village – One Water Source.
- Passed away at the age of 95 in Pune while undergoing treatment.
Ideology and Legacy
Deeply influenced by Shiv, Phule, Shahu, and B.R. Ambedkar, Baba Adhav grounded his activism in the principles of equality, dignity, and justice. Even in his final years, he remained active in raising awareness about the struggles of informal workers.
His passing leaves a vast legacy of grassroots mobilisation, policy advocacy, and a continued call for equitable labour rights — a legacy future movements will continue to draw strength from.