On July 23, 2024, the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) commenced its 70th year with a grand inauguration ceremony held at Ravindra Bhavan in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
Founded in 1955 by Dattopant Thengadi on the birth anniversary of Lok Manya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, BMS upholds the aim of ‘arthik azadi’ (economic freedom). A fundamental principle of BMS is to build a societal structure that highlights Bharat’s contributions to humanity.
BMS remains committed to fulfilling its national duty towards labour. With a vision of achieving national prosperity and eradicating poverty, BMS pledges to “maximum production and equitable distribution.”
The programme was presided over by Hiranmay Pandya, President of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh. The event was graced by the presence of RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale and Shri V Bhaggiah, Member of Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini Samithi and Madhya Pradesh CM Dr Mohan Yadav.
RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale while quoting Maharishi Aurobindo said said, “Bharat will rise and become powerful, not to oppress others but to become a beacon of light in the darkness of the world, guiding others.” Inspired by this vision, Dr Hedgewar proposed in the 1920 national convention of the Congress that people should be liberated from economic imperialism.
“BMS has always worked for the welfare of workers and will continue to do so. However, its aim extends beyond this. It is said that the interest of industry is greater than the interest of workers, and the interest of the nation is greater than both. This aligns with the Bhartiya cultural belief that one must sacrifice smaller goals for the greater good. This noble principle has guided BMS in its endeavors”, he added.
Narrating an anecdote of a small child named ‘Narayan’ who was meditating, his mother asked, “What are you doing?” He replied, “I am worrying about the world.” This child later became the great Samarth Ramdas. The concept of the whole world being one family is a philosophy that many great personalities from Bharat have embodied. Therefore, BMS’s philosophy and ideological stance are deeply rooted in the cultural fragrance and spiritual essence of Bharat’s soil”, he further said.
V Bhaggiah, Member of Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini Samithi remarked, “Seventy years of relentless struggle and sacrifices have shaped BMS. Today, we reflect on the work done over these 70 years. According to Dattopant Thengadi, during the Indian freedom struggle in 1920, Dr Hedgewar proposed in the national convention of Congress that people should be liberated from economic imperialism (arthik samrajywad), which is one of the basis of BMS. Achieving the number one position in organistaional number is not BMS’s objective; rather, it is to ensure that the hard-working labourers of Bharat receive respect and recognition.”
He further said, “There was a prevailing notion that only communists cared about the poor. So, Dattopant Thengadi created an organisation based on ‘Bharatiya values of life’, ‘Shukr Niti,’ Mahabharata’s Shanti Parva, and other scriptures were studied to establish this organisation.”
“BMS has always worked to uplift women. Currently, in four states, women are serving as its presidents. BMS has done significant work for the nation’s benefit, driven by the spirit of ‘Mai Nahi Tu Hi’ (Not me, but you). This spirit has brought BMS to where it stands today,” V Bhaggiah emphasised.
Hiranmay Pandya, President of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, stated, “BMS was started here, in the city of Raja Bhoj, at Aggarwal Dharamshala in 1955. We are fortunate to celebrate its 70th foundation day in the same city. With a spirit of responsive cooperation, BMS has become not only the largest organisation in Bharat but also the largest organisation globally working for the welfare of labour. BMS is committed to working for labour workforce in every part of Bharat. Keeping national interest in mind, BMS has always worked for the welfare of workers and industries. In 1969, BMS was the first to demand a bonus scheme, which is now successfully implemented everywhere.”
“The International Labour Organization has noted that BMS is the only labor organization that worked in 412 districts during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing essential facilities”, he said.
“Women’s participation in labour workforce is minimal, so in the coming times, BMS will promote this. Discussions on this matter have also taken place in G-20, WTO, and UNESCO meetings, as well as with the International Trade Organization. BMS has just crossed the first step and will continue to progress,” Hiranmay Pandya added.
Ravindra Kumar Himate, Akhil Bhartiya Maha Mantri, BMS said, “At the time of the foundation of BMS in 1955, it had no members and resouces. However, Dattopant Thengadi elevated it to new heights. Transparency and nationalism are the core principles BMS operates on. BMS proudly represented itself in the L-20 (Vertical of the G-20 summit). Many countries have also invited BMS to lead and nurture the interests of their workers, recognising BMS’s effective representation and dedication to workers’ welfare.”
On this occasion, a book detailing the works of BMS was released by Madhya Pradesh CM Dr Mohan Yadav, and a souvenir book was inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Labour Minister Prahlad Singh Patel.
Madhya Pradesh Deputy CM Rajendra Shukla, State Labour Minister, Prahlad Singh Patel, State Sanskriti Minister, Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, Bhopal Mayor, Malti Rai and senior BMS leaders, activists, and central executive committee members also attended the event.
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