Himachal Governor lauds Thengadi’s role in labour reforms

Tribune News Service

Shimla, November 8

Dattopant Thengadi was a visionary, who believed in harmony and strived to end inequality, said Governor Bandaru Dattatraya during the closing ceremony of the birth centenary celebration of Dattopant Thengadi, organised by the Dattopant Thengadi Janmshatabdi Samaroh Samiti, at Himachal Pradesh University here today.

He said Thengadi was a pioneer of change and a great thinker. The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, founded in 1955 by Thengadi, became the largest trade union of India in the next three decades by 1979. Today, the total number of workers in the organisation, was more than the total number of members of all labour organisations in India, he said.

Thengadi also set up the Indian Farmers’ Union. The Governor also released a book based on the centenary programme of Thengari, besides launching the website of Bhartiya Kisan Sangh, Himachal Pradesh, on the occasion.

Kuldeep Chand Agnihotri, organising committee president and Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, recalled Thengadi words, “There are limits to power, but no limit to contemplation. Moving with power destroys your views.”

Rameshwar Singh, ‘kshetriya pracharak’, RSS, said Thengadi had a desire to work for the country since childhood. He formed the Vanar Dal when he was in school, which worked for the freedom of the country.

Sikander Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, HPU, said Thengadi understood the problems of workers and peasants.