Veteran Social Activist Baba Adhav Passes Away at 95; PM Modi and Leaders Pay Tribute
Veteran Social Activist Baba Adhav Passes Away at 95; PM Modi and Leaders Pay Tribute
Babasaheb Pandurang Adhav, popularly known as Baba Adhav, a stalwart of Maharashtra’s social and labour movements, passed away in Pune on Monday night at the age of 95. Adhav had been battling cancer, and his health suddenly deteriorated, leading to his admission at a private hospital in Pune 12 days ago. Despite being placed on life support, he passed away at 8:25 pm due to cardiac arrest, leaving behind his two sons, Asim and Amber. His mortal remains are being kept for public homage at Hamal Bhavan in Market Yard, Pune, from 10 am to 4 pm, with the last rites scheduled thereafter.
Baba Adhav dedicated his life to uplifting the marginalised and unorganised labour sectors in Maharashtra. He was the driving force behind the Hamal Panchayat, a trade union for headloaders that organised porters across Pune and other parts of the state. He also championed the ‘Ek Gaon Ek Panwatha’ (One Village-One Water Point) campaign, which not only aimed to provide clean water access but also challenged caste-based discrimination, reflecting his lifelong commitment to social equality. Even in his final months, Adhav remained actively engaged in public causes, advocating for justice and welfare for working-class communities. Following the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, he led a three-day protest at Phule Wada in Pune against the alleged misuse of EVMs, demonstrating his enduring dedication to democratic rights.
Deeply inspired by the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Jyotirao Phule, Shahu Maharaj, and B.R. Ambedkar, as well as the Satyashodhak movement, Adhav consistently worked to build a society free from social inequities. Beyond his work with porters and headloaders, he also extended his efforts to rickshaw drivers, construction workers, and waste collectors, creating organisations and movements that improved their livelihoods and social standing.
Given the expected large turnout of people paying their respects, the Pune City Traffic Police issued an advisory, requesting commuters to avoid Shivneri Road and Market Yard. Alternative routes suggested include Ganga Dham Chowk → Nehru Road → 7 Love Chowk or Ganga Dham Chowk → Chandra Lok Chowk → Satara Road, to ensure smooth traffic flow during the public homage.
Leaders across India mourned his demise. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, saying: “Baba Adhav Ji will be remembered for his efforts to serve society through various causes, notably empowering the marginalised and furthering labour welfare. Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Baba Adhav Ji will be remembered for his efforts to serve society through various causes, notably empowering the marginalised and furthering labour welfare. Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 8, 2025
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recalled Adhav’s unparalleled contributions to labour rights and social equity, noting that initiatives like the Hamal Panchayat and the One Village–One Water Point movement brought lasting reforms and that his fight against social evils will remain an inspiration. NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar described him as a fearless reformer, stating: “Dr. Baba Adhav was one of those rare social reformers who stood firm on his principles without ever fearing the consequences. His lifelong struggle for social justice and his dedication to labour rights will forever be remembered.”
ज्येष्ठ समाजसेवक बाबा आढाव यांच्या निधनाचे वृत्त अतिशय दु:खद आहे.
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) December 8, 2025
वंचित आणि असंघटित घटकांच्या हक्कांसाठी त्यांनी सातत्याने संघर्ष केला. त्यांचे आधारस्तंभ म्हणून काम केले. हमाल, रिक्षाचालक, बांधकाम मजुरांना न्याय देण्यासाठी त्यांनी संघटन उभे केले. हमाल पंचायत, एक गाव-एक पाणवठा असे… pic.twitter.com/7hPH7WCtEx
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar remembered Adhav as a “great warrior of struggle” who brought hope to countless labourers and marginalised communities, highlighting his work with the Hamal Panchayat, Rickshaw Panchayat, and other associations. He also praised Adhav for upholding the principles of the Satyashodhak tradition throughout his life.
समाजकारणातील निस्पृहता, तळमळ आणि अत्युच्च प्रामाणिकतेचे प्रतीक असलेले ज्येष्ठ समाजसेवक बाबा आढाव यांच्या निधनाचं वृत्त अतिशय दुःखद आहे. श्रमिक, कष्टकरी, दुर्बल आणि वंचित घटकांच्या हक्कांसाठी आयुष्यभर अहोरात्र झटणारा महान संघर्षयोद्धा आज हरपला. मी ज्येष्ठ समाजसेवक बाबा आढाव यांना… pic.twitter.com/Etwz8UGqYB
— Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) December 8, 2025
आपल्या महाराष्ट्रात प्रागतिक ,कृतीशील विचार मांडून ते आचरणात आणणाऱ्या शिलेदारांची एक मोठी फळी आहे. भूमिका घेताना परिणामांची, प्रस्थापित व्यवस्थेच्या रोषाची तमा न बाळगणाऱ्या सामाजिक कार्यकर्त्यांमध्ये ज्येष्ठ समाजसेवक, पुरोगामी विचारांचे खंदे समर्थक डॉ. बाबा आढाव ह्यांचं नाव… pic.twitter.com/rTAlVN9pIL
— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) December 8, 2025
Baba Adhav’s life was a testament to selfless service, courage, and unyielding commitment to justice. Through decades of activism, he transformed the lives of thousands, fought social discrimination, and championed the rights of those often unheard.
