New Delhi: The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), the largest central trade union organization in India, is set to commemorate the conclusion of its 70-year golden journey with a grand closing ceremony on July 23, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. The event will be graced by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak, Hon’ble Shri Mohan Bhagwat, as the chief guest.
Established on July 23, 1955, in Bhopal, the BMS has grown into a formidable labor organization representing a broad spectrum of workers across the country. Marking this milestone, Shri Ravinder Himte, National General Secretary of BMS, shared key details about the upcoming program and the organization’s impactful journey over the decades.
Historic Legacy and Growth
Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, founded by Dattopant Thengadi, has remained steadfast in its commitment to championing the rights and welfare of workers, especially those in the unorganized and underserved sectors. Over the years, it has expanded its footprint nationwide, with over 6,000 affiliated unions operating actively across various districts, states, and industrial sectors.
Shri Himte emphasized that BMS has consistently addressed the concerns of the most marginalized workers and has provided a robust platform for voicing their demands. He proudly noted that the organization has maintained its status as the largest trade union in India for more than three decades.
International Recognition
Highlighting BMS’s international role, Shri Himte said the organization had recently played a pivotal part on the global stage. During India’s presidency of the G20, BMS led the Labour 20 (L20) forum, reflecting its global standing and policy influence in labor matters. This significant leadership role underscored BMS’s ability to represent India’s labor interests at the highest level of international dialogue.
Celebratory Events
The 70th-anniversary celebrations were inaugurated on July 23, 2024, in Bhopal, the city where the organization was originally founded. The inauguration was led by Shri Dattatreya Hosabale, the Sarkaryavah (General Secretary) of RSS. The year-long commemorative events have seen participation from thousands of workers and leaders across the country, celebrating the values, achievements, and contributions of BMS.
The culminating event in Delhi is expected to be a grand affair, with a gathering of more than 10,000 workers, including delegates from hundreds of BMS-affiliated unions based in the national capital. The event will also witness the presence of several dignitaries from across India and abroad, including Union and State Ministers, representatives from Central Trade Unions, and other key stakeholders in the labor sector.
Shri Himte highlighted the inclusive nature of the event, which will showcase the solidarity and collective strength of the labor community. He expressed confidence that the presence of dignitaries from multiple countries will add a global perspective to the celebration.
A Movement for Workers’ Rights
Throughout its journey, BMS has consistently positioned itself as a nationalist, non-political trade union committed to constructive labor activism. It has focused on dialogue and cooperation rather than confrontation, distinguishing itself from other labor organizations in its approach to resolving worker-related issues.
As the organization steps into its 71st year, BMS remains dedicated to enhancing the dignity of labor, ensuring fair wages, improving working conditions, and safeguarding social security for workers across all sectors.
The July 23 event in New Delhi promises to be a landmark occasion, not just in the history of BMS but in the larger narrative of India’s labor movement. The celebrations will serve both as a tribute to the past and a roadmap for the future of labor rights in the country.
