A commemorative postage stamp issued on 03 May 2005 of Narayan Meghaji Lokhande a pioneer of Indian labour movement .
Narayan Meghaji Lokhande was a prominent social reformer and labor leader from India, known for his contributions to the labor movement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was born on December 24, 1856, in a village called Sheri, near Dhule in present-day Maharashtra, India.
Lokhande played a significant role in organizing and advocating for the rights of industrial workers, particularly in the textile mills of Bombay (now Mumbai). He was instrumental in founding the Textile Labour Association (TLA) in 1920, which became one of the most influential labor unions in India.
Under Lokhande's leadership, the TLA campaigned for various workers' rights, including better wages, improved working conditions, and the right to collective bargaining. He also fought against unjust labor practices and exploitation by mill owners.
Apart from his work in the labor movement, Narayan Meghaji Lokhande was also involved in other social causes. He advocated for women's education and played a role in promoting the rights of women workers in the textile industry.
Lokhande's efforts contributed significantly to shaping the labor movement in India and paved the way for better working conditions and labor rights in the country. He passed away on December 31, 1897, but his legacy as a pioneer in the Indian labor movement continues to inspire generations of activists and reformers.