Hyderabad, December 25: Emphasising that ideology and sacrifice, not infrastructure, built the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) into the world’s largest labour organisation, Dattatreya Hosabale on Wednesday said the movement had reached global prominence long before it had permanent office buildings.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarkaryavaha Dattatreya Hosabale was speaking at the inauguration of the newly reconstructed Telangana regional office of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh in Hyderabad. The event was organised under the auspices of Vishwakarma Seva Samiti and BMS.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Hosabale said BMS represents the working people who “move the wheels of the country’s economic chariot”, and its rise to the top of the labour sector was achieved through commitment and ideological clarity rather than physical assets. He noted that BMS had attained its stature even in periods when it did not have an office of its own.
He underlined that BMS activists consistently prioritise the nation, workers and employees over personal interests. “This is not merely a slogan but a way of life and a distinctive perspective of BMS,” he said, adding that the organisation’s culture of selflessness sets it apart from other labour movements.
Recalling the founding principles of BMS, Hosabale said sacrifice, penance and martyrdom have been its defining symbols since inception. These values, he stressed, were not rhetorical but lived realities, with countless activists dedicating their lives—and in some cases laying them down—for the cause of workers and the nation. It was this foundation, he said, that transformed BMS into a major global force over the past seven decades.
Hosabale further stated that BMS commands attention worldwide because of its ideological consistency and its Indian-rooted approach to labour issues. By integrating workers’ welfare, national interest, environmental protection and social harmony, BMS has developed a unique model that attracts global curiosity. He said workers, labour organisations and researchers across the world are keen to study the BMS movement and its structure.
Referring to BMS founder Dattopant Thengdi, Hosabale recalled his visit to China, where even committed communists were reportedly impressed by the rapid growth and ideological depth of BMS. Since then, he said, BMS has continued to articulate its ideas on international platforms.
While reiterating that buildings are not the source of strength, Hosabale acknowledged the functional importance of offices. With the organisation’s work expanding, he said, there is a need for proper facilities for documentation, communication and membership coordination. At the same time, he urged activists to deepen engagement on issues such as Swadeshi, self-reliance and the economic perspective of labour movements.
He also called for systematic training of workers and activists, particularly in the context of new labour laws introduced by the Indian government. Hosabale stressed that understanding these laws should not be confined to national leaders alone but must reach grassroots-level activists. He urged the cadre to combine intellectual engagement with organisational outreach and mass mobilisation.
In a metaphor that drew applause, Hosabale said, “The office may rise four floors, but the ideology must rise ten floors,” urging expansion of work alongside expansion of infrastructure.
Bhagaiah, RSS Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini Sadasya, said the new regional office symbolised self-respect and collective effort. He noted that BMS workers had converted “blood into sweat” and saved every rupee to build the office, without depending on state power or government funds. He cautioned against luxury, warning that indulgence leads to political and moral compromise, and called upon organised workers to devote time and resources to the unorganised sector.
BMS All India Secretary Surendran said the organisation had completed 70 years and entered its 71st year with renewed strength. He recalled that the office’s journey began in 1986 and reflected the hard work of thousands of activists. Highlighting the contribution of the Telugu states, he noted that they led BMS membership nationally in 1989 and 2002. He added that BMS today functions through 5,836 affiliated unions, making it the largest trade union organisation in the world.
BMS National President Hiranmayi Pandya described the inauguration of the Telangana regional office as a moment of inspiration. He said the new office also increases the responsibility of activists to work with greater dedication and discipline in the coming years.
Several senior functionaries of the Sangh, BMS, and other Sangh-inspired organisations were present on the occasion.
