- The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) concluded its 70th Foundation Day celebrations with a call for introspection and future vision.
- RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized BMS’s role in nation-building and addressing challenges like technology and the unorganized sector.
- Union Minister Mansukhbhai Mandaviya lauded BMS’s unique work culture and tangible outcomes for workers.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 27th July: The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) concluded its year-long 70th Foundation Day celebrations on July 23, 2025, at the KD Jadhav Wrestling Hall, Indira Gandhi Stadium. The event served as an occasion for both celebration and introspection on the organization’s past achievements and future direction.
RSS Chief Emphasizes Values and Vision for Labour
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak, Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, addressed the gathering, stating that the BMS’s 70-year journey is “not just a commemoration, but a movement powered by values and vision.” He urged the organization to reflect on its origins, motivations, and accomplishments, as well as the path ahead. Dr. Bhagwat recalled how BMS founder Dattopant Thengadi’s vision of “Workers, Unite the World” was once mocked but stands vindicated today due to the tireless efforts of BMS members.
He highlighted the importance of ‘Parishram’ (hard work) as a pillar of Sanatan Dharma and stressed the need to develop a new, eternal model for the changing times, requiring a balanced approach across generations. Dr. Bhagwat shared anecdotes, including one about Dr. MG Gokhale, a communist, who acknowledged BMS’s complete vision but noted its lack of a robust system, to which Thengadi humbly agreed. Bhagwat asserted that BMS is now reaching a stage where its ideology and action are aligning.
Addressing contemporary challenges, Dr. Bhagwat noted the vast unorganized sector and the impact of technological transformation, including concerns about unemployment and the devaluation of manual labor. He emphasized that while technology cannot be rejected, it must be wisely harnessed to benefit all sections of society. Dr. Bhagwat reminded the audience that as the world’s largest labour organization, BMS bears the responsibility for global transformation. He also released a special edition of ‘Organiser Weekly’ magazine titled ‘Laborious Resetting’ during the event.
Union Minister Lauds BMS’s Nation-Building Ethos
Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Shri Mansukhbhai Mandaviya, the Guest of Honour, praised BMS’s working style as “deeply rooted in the ethos and foundational values of Bharat.” He affirmed that BMS is a “force for nation-building,” rather than merely a force for protest. Mandaviya highlighted BMS as perhaps the only organization that not only confronts labor issues but also ensures tangible outcomes, noting its leadership of a 30-member Indian delegation at the ILO with “dignity and vision.” He also lauded India’s unique response to the COVID-19 crisis and acknowledged the spirit of cooperation and sacrifice inherent in Indian workers, which organizations like BMS reflect and strengthen.
BMS Leadership Reflects on Decades of Service and Future Goals
Ravindra Himte, General-Secretary, BMS, provided an overview of the organization’s 70-year journey, emphasizing its consistent work in the interest of the nation, industry, and labor since its founding on July 23, 1955. He underscored the commitment to collective decision-making, a value upheld for seven decades. Himte detailed the year-long celebrations, which included a five-month district-level lecture series, a ‘Shramik Sampark Abhiyan’ to engage directly with workers, and Women’s and Youth Conferences across the nation.
Hiranmay Pandya, President, BMS, highlighted the organization’s growth into the largest labor body in the country, defying predictions about the decline of trade unions. He noted that BMS, founded on the principles of ‘Rashtra Hit, Udyog Hit, and Majdoor Hit,’ consistently gets over 150 unions recognized annually and ensured 50 percent women’s representation from India at the ILO. Pandya affirmed that BMS is a “thought-driven ideological movement” committed to national development and worker empowerment, focusing on constructive nation-building. He also announced the launch of a new digital app, ‘E-Karyakarta,’ and the screening of a documentary on BMS’s 70-year journey. He declared ‘BMS@100’ as the next milestone.
V. Bhagaiah ji, Palak Adhikari of BMS, stated that the 70-year celebration embodies an ideology, a successful journey, and a transformative movement. He contrasted Western ideologies that foster mistrust between workers and employers with the Bharatiya tradition, asserting that BMS prioritizes the nation’s interest while ensuring fair compensation for labor. He emphasized the BMS mantra, “Workers, Unite the World!” as the Bharatiya perspective.
Indu Jamwal, President, Delhi Unit of BMS, welcomed dignitaries and urged members to further strengthen the organization, highlighting how BMS has transformed the meaning of a labor organization in 70 years, moving from “Workers of the World Unite” to “Workers Unite the World.”
The event also included the felicitation of several senior BMS activists and saw the participation of senior RSS functionaries, various State Presidents and General Secretaries of BMS, Federation Leaders, a delegation from Nepal, and numerous other prominent personalities. The grand event was live-telecast to 110 locations nationwide.
