Veteran Social Activist Baba Adhav Passes Away at 95

India mourns the loss of Dr. Baba Adhav, a towering figure in labour rights activism and social justice, who passed away at the age of 95 on 9 December 2025 in Pune. Known for his tireless efforts in uplifting informal sector workers, Baba Adhav’s passing marks the end of an era in Maharashtra’s reformist movement. He was undergoing treatment at Poona Hospital when he breathed his last. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra leaders hailing his lifelong service to the oppressed and marginalised.

Baba Adhav: A Voice for the Voiceless

For over seven decades, Baba Adhav dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of hamals (head-load workers), rickshaw pullers, construction workers, and those working in unorganised sectors. His activism brought attention to those previously invisible in policy debates.

Through movements rooted in ground realities, he emphasised that dignity, fair wages, and legal protection are basic rights—not privileges—for every worker.

Key Contributions

Hamal Panchayat

• One of his most transformative initiatives was the formation of the Hamal Panchayat, a workers’ union for head-loaders in Pune.
• It became a model for worker self-organisation, ensuring better working conditions, wages, and access to health and welfare services.
• It was among the first collective platforms to give informal workers a formal identity and voice in labour negotiations.

One Village – One Water Source Campaign

• This campaign aimed at equitable distribution of water, especially in rural and drought-prone areas. It reflected Adhav’s broader philosophy of equality in resources and public utilities.
• Both these initiatives gained traction due to his grassroots approach, rooted in community participation and dialogue, rather than top-down directives.

Ideological Roots and Inspirations

Baba Adhav’s thoughts were deeply influenced by Shivaji, Jyotirao Phule, Shahu Maharaj, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar—icons of social reform, equality, and anti-caste movements.

He believed in non-violent mobilisation, education, and community-led change, drawing from Ambedkar’s vision of social democracy. His activism focused on empowering the oppressed rather than merely speaking for them.

National Tributes and Legacy

Baba Adhav’s passing evoked heartfelt messages from national leaders,

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him a “pillar of India’s grassroots reform movement”.
• Maharashtra’s Chief Minister acknowledged him as a “living conscience of labour reform.”
• Civil society organisations recognised him as a mentor and guide to generations of young activists.

Even in his 90s, Adhav remained active—voicing concerns over workers’ legal recognition, urban housing rights, and pension schemes for informal workers.