“Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh’s (BMS) year-long celebration is not just been a ritual, it is a moment to look back and introspect: how BMS began, what motivated it, what it achieved, and what lies ahead. This is not just a commemoration, but a movement powered by values and vision,” said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak, Dr Mohan Bhagwat at concluding programme of 70th Foundation day of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) on July 23, 2025, at the KD Jadhav Wrestling Hall, Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi.
“When Dattopant Thengadi ji founded this organisation under the name of Mazdoor Sangh, he often visited several labour organisations. BMS was very small at that time. People from other unions used to mock and say, ‘Your saffron flag cannot rise in this field.’ They questioned our ideology of ‘Workers, Unite the World’—saying how can labourers even think like this? But today, 70 years later, Thengadi ji’s vision stands vindicated. And that has been made possible by the tireless efforts of BMS karyakartas.”
Narrating an anecdote, he said, “In 1980, at a BMS convention, Dr MG Bokare, a known Communist intellectual and professor of economist, attended the event. A RSS shakha used to happen in front of his house, and through that interaction, he began resonating with Sangh’s thoughts. He once remarked that BMS is the only organisation with a complete vision but does not have a system. Dattopant ji humbly agreed and responded that our ideology may be good, but our working methodology is not yet fully aligned to it, as the systems we operate are not upto mark. We need to correct the system so that our ideology and action align. Today, we are finally arriving at that stage,” Dr Bhagwat said.
He added, “In Sanatan Dharma, one of the four pillars of life is Tapas (dedicated hard work). BMS has strived to offer the world a new, eternal model. As times change, we must develop and present a model suited to this era. This requires a balanced approach, just like the first generation began the work, the second maintained it, and now the third and fourth generations must understand why and how they continue it.”
Recalling another anecdote, he shared, “When Dattopant ji was elected to Rajya Sabha, he asked Guruji, then Sarsanghchalak of RSS (MS Golwalkar), ‘What should I do for the workers now?’ Guruji replied, ‘Just as a mother holds affection for her child, if you carry that emotion and work closely with labourers, you will succeed.’ Work that is sustainable and rooted in emotion, not driven by convenience, leaves a lasting impact. That emotion and inspiration must be carried forward’.
“Thengadi ji worked in other labour organisations to learn the work, that organisations can also work, but they lacked the right ideological foundation. BMS was founded on the principles of Rashtrahit, Udyoghit, and Majdoorhit. That is why it has now become an example for the entire world,” he said.
Dr Bhagwat further reflected, “BMS have a strong ideology, but our challenge was to develop the proper system to implement it. Today, questions that were not even raised 50 years ago are now in front of us. The unorganised sector is vast and even within the organised sector, many remain unorganised. We must work to restore their self-respect and dignity. The nature of work varies by region; hence, our action must adapt to the ground realities with proper coordination.”
Speaking about technological advancement, he said, “Every new technology brings concerns, will it led an increase in unemployment? Will it dehumanise us? Once, people walked miles, then came bicycles. In my childhood, having a cycle to go to school was a big deal. Today, without a car, people hesitate to move. Reduced physical labour cannot be an excuse to shun hard work. We cannot stop the use of technology, but we must harness it wisely so that society at large benefits. BMS is the largest labour organisation in the world, and it has the responsibility to ensure that every emerging situation benefits all sections of society. The world is watching BMS, and it must rise to this responsibility.” He added, “Now going beyond ‘Rashtra Hit, Udyog Hit, and Majdoor Hit’, the BMS should also think about Vishwa Hit”.
“As we move ahead with confidence in our capabilities and clarity in our goals, we must keep in mind that BMS now bears the responsibility to bring about transformation not just in the nation, but across the world. Success should not be the end. Julius Caesar is remembered for ‘He came, he saw, he conquered’—but he died in the height of his glory. World-conquerors are often forgotten. But the one who gave up his kingdom for 14 years and went into Vanvas, Ram, is still remembered. That is why he is Parbhu Ram.”
Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Government of India, Mansukhbhai Mandaviya, who was also the Guest of Honour said, “The working style of BMS is deeply rooted in the ethos and foundational values of Bharat. While we regularly meet with various labour organisations, the work culture and approach of BMS always stand out and offer much to learn. BMS has rightly recognised that a labour movement is not merely a force for protest, but a force for nation-building.”
He further said, “BMS is perhaps the only organisation that not only confronts labour issues and struggles for workers’ rights but also ensures tangible outcomes. When a 30-member Indian delegation participated in the ILO, it was BMS that led it with dignity and vision.”
“During the COVID-19 crisis, many around the world doubted Bharat’s health infrastructure. But we managed the pandemic with a uniquely Bharatiya model. Some questioned symbolic gestures like clapping and lighting lamps—but those were to honour our corona warriors. That spirit of collective respect and unity was integral to our response,” he said.
“In our country workers don’t operate merely on the basis of fixed hourly contracts. They work beyond limits—not out of compulsion, but as a contribution, a sense of shared responsibility. That spirit of cooperation and sacrifice lies at the heart of Bharat, and organisations like BMS reflect and strengthen it,” Mandaviya asserted.
Palak Adhikari of BMS, V. Bhagaiah ji, said, “Participating in the 70-year celebration of BMS is not just a moment of joy and pride for all of us, but a moment that instills a deep sense of responsibility. This is not merely an event; it is an embodiment of an ideology, a successful journey, and a transformative movement. This is not just a programme of BMS, but of the entire society.”
He elaborated, “After the advent of Western ideologies in India, a sense of mistrust was instilled in the minds of workers towards employers. However, according to Bharatiya tradition, whether an artisan is in the organised or unorganised sector, BMS has always stood by the principle of working in the interest of the nation and ensuring full and fair compensation for their labour. Working for the nation is the duty of the worker; receiving due wages is their right.”
“While other organisations say ‘Workers of the World, Unite!’, BMS says, ‘Workers, Unite the World!’ This is the Bharatiya perspective. Shukr Niti mandates that after 40 years of service, a worker must be given a proper economic security for the rest of his life. BMS has worked tirelessly for this cause. Unfortunately, due to ideological bias, the communists deliberately erased this from public memory,” he said.
“But it is BMS, that through its relentless efforts it has ensured dignity for labour, economic stability for workers, and their right to justice. The credit for this transformation goes to Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, For BMS nation is first,” Bhagaiah ji asserted.
BMS President Hiranmay Pandya said, “This gathering is not just to commemorate the 70-year journey of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, but also to chart the course for the future. When we began in 1955 with the principle of ‘Rashtra Hit, Udyog Hit, and Majdoor Hit’, some questioned how labourers’ interests could be served if placed third. Today, BMS stands as the largest labour organisation in the country, unwaveringly working in the interest of workers.”
“The organisational work of BMS is active in 30 prants across the nation. At a time when many believed that the era of trade unions was over, BMS has continued to grow, getting over 150 unions recognised every year. In the ILO, 50 per cent of the representation was of women from India due to the efforts of BMS,” he stated.
He further added, “Till 1981, BMS was the second-largest trade union in India. By 1989, without any division or disruption, BMS emerged as the largest. It is not just a labour organisation, but a thought-driven ideological movement committed to national development and worker empowerment.”
“We have shown the world that labour protest is not merely about raising slogans—it is about constructive nation-building,” Pandya asserted. “Our next milestone is BMS@100, and we are determined to move forward with renewed vigour and commitment.”
Presenting an overview of the 70-year journey of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), Ravindra Himte, General-Secretary, BMS, said, “The nationalist labour organisation has completed 70 meaningful years of service to the nation. I pay my heartfelt tributes to all those great personalities who dedicated their entire lives to this organisation. During this period, BMS has consistently worked in the interest of the nation, industry, and labour.”
He added, “On July 23, 1955, the very day BMS was founded, we resolved that every decision of the organisation would be taken collectively. For the last seven decades, we have been steadfast in upholding these values”
He informed that beginning in August 2025, BMS organised a five-month-long lecture series at the district level across the country, focusing on five core themes to generate mass awareness among karyakartas and society at large. Starting from December, a ‘Shramik Sampark Abhiyan’ was undertaken to directly engage with workers. This was followed by district-level Women’s and Youth Conferences in February–March 2025, which witnessed enthusiastic participation of women and young workers across the nation. BMS has also raised awareness about the ‘Panch Parivartan’ initiative.
Indu Jamwal, President, Delhi Unit of BMS, welcomed all dignitaries, karyakartas, and the foreign delegation present on the occasion. She urged the karyakartas to work with greater dedication to strengthen the organisation and take BMS to newer heights in the service of the nation. “From workers of the World Unite to Workers Unite the World – in 70 years, BMS has changed meaning of Labour Organisation”, she said.
On this occasion, BMS felicitated several of its senior activists, including: Geeta Gokhale (Mumbai), Hansubhai Dave (Rajkot), Sama Balreddy (Hyderabad), Vasant Pimplapure (Nagpur), Amarnath Dogra (Delhi), Sardar Kartar Singh Rathore (Punjab), Haji Akhtar Hussain (Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh), Mahesh Pathak (Railways, Delhi), and several other senior karyakartas.
On this occasion, BMS, President Hiranmay Pandya launched a new digital app, ‘E-Karyakarta’ to keep records and information about its karyakartas, work and strengthen internal communication. Additionally, a documentary film based on the 70-year journey of the BMS was screened.
The grand event also witnessed the participation of Senior RSS Functionaries including Alok Kumar ji, Sunil Ambekar ji, State Presidents and General Secretaries of BMS, Federation Leaders, members of the extended National Executive Committee, a 11-member delegation from Nepal, Union Minister Harsh Malhotra, Delhi Mayor, Raja Iqbal Singh, Delhi Speaker Vijendra Gupta, Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra and many other eminent personalities including Harbhajan Singh Sidhu were also present. The live telecast of this event was shown at 110 locations through zoom, YouTube live.
A special edition of Organiser Weekly dedicated to BMS at 70, with a cover story of ‘Laborious Resetting’ was also released by the dignitaries on the occasion.
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