Narayan Meghaji Lokhande Death Anniversary

 

Narayan Meghaji Lokhande, who passed away on 9 February 1897, is recognized as the “Father of the Trade Union Movement in India.”  Lokhande dedicated his life to championing the rights of workers and spearheading the labour movement in the country.

Narayan Meghaji Lokhande's journey began in the late 19th century when he witnessed the plight of mill workers in Bombay (now Mumbai). Deeply affected by their poor working conditions, low wages, and lack of basic rights, Narayan Lokhande took it upon himself to fight for their rights and improve their lives.

In 1890, Narayan Meghaji Lokhande founded the Bombay Mill Hands Association, one of the earliest trade unions in India. Through this association, he led several strikes, protests, and movements, demanding better wages, improved working conditions, and legal protections for workers. His charismatic leadership and unwavering commitment to the cause garnered significant attention and support.

Apart from being a labour leader, Narayan Lokhande was also a social reformer. He actively worked towards eradicating social evils like child labour, gender inequality, and caste discrimination. He believed in the empowerment of workers and fought for their overall well-being, including access to education, healthcare, and social justice.

Narayan Meghaji Lokhande's contributions laid the foundation for the trade union movement in India. His relentless efforts paved the way for significant labour reforms and the recognition of workers' rights.