Veteran socialist leader and prominent activist in Maharashtra’s labour and social justice movements, Dr Baba Adhav, passed away in Pune yesterday. He was 95. He was undergoing treatment at Poona Hospital. 

 

 

Adhav, revered across the state for his decades-long work for the deprived, unorganised and marginalised communities, dedicated his life to securing rights and dignity for hamals, rickshaw drivers, construction workers, labourers and other informal-sector groups. He was instrumental in creating major worker-led initiatives, including the Hamal Panchayat, and championed transformative campaigns such as ‘One Village – One Water Source’.

 

 

Dr Adhav continued working for public causes even in his final months, advocating justice and welfare for the working class and vulnerable groups.

 

 

The mortal remains of Baba Adhav will be kept at Hamal Bhavan Market Yard at 10 am today for people to pay their tributes. The last rites will be performed around 4 pm. Politicians and dignitaries from across the spectrum paid their tributes to Baba Adhav.   

 

 

Several auto rickshaw and hawkers’ unions are likely to keep their businesses closed today as a mark of respect to Baba Adhav.

 

 

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in his condolence message, wrote, “The news of the demise of senior social worker Baba Adhav is very sad. He continuously fought for the rights of the deprived and unorganised sections. He worked as their pillar. He formed an organisation to provide justice to the porters, rickshaw pullers, and construction workers. He implemented many initiatives like Hamal Panchayat, Ek Gaon-Ek Panwatha. His fight against social evils will always be remembered.”

 

 

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, senior leader Sharad Pawar, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Harshwardhan Sapkal also paid tributes to Baba Adhav.