Mumbai, April 30, 2025 – As Maharashtra awakens to a sunrise of heritage and progress, the state proudly marks the 65th Maharashtra Day, coinciding with the global observance of International Workers’ Day. Together, these occasions celebrate regional pride and the relentless spirit of the working class.
Maharashtra Day: Commemorating 65 Years of Statehood
On May 1, 1960, Maharashtra was formed under the States Reorganization Act, giving voice to Marathi-speaking citizens after a long-drawn Samyukta Maharashtra Movement. The movement, led by iconic leaders like Keshavrao Jedhe, culminated in Mumbai becoming the state’s capital after widespread protests and political negotiations.
2024 Celebrations:
Shivaji Park becomes the heart of the festivities, with a ceremonial parade, cultural performances like Lavani, and an address by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The 2024 theme—“Digital Maharashtra, Inclusive Growth”—showcases ₹10,000 crore in investments toward AI-driven agriculture and digital health services in rural areas.
“Maharashtra is more than a state—it’s a living expression of resilience and reinvention,” said Anand Mahindra, speaking at a business conclave in Mumbai.
International Workers’ Day: Honoring Labor Across Generations
Observed worldwide, May Day originated from the 1886 labor movement in Chicago, which demanded the 8-hour workday. In India, the observance dates back to 1923 in Chennai, when Singaravelu Chettiar and the Labour Kisan Party held the first celebration, raising the red flag—a global symbol of workers’ unity.
Key Labor Moments in India:
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1923: First May Day celebration in India.
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1989: Official national recognition as International Workers’ Day.
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2024–25: The Centre’s “Shramev Jayate 2.0” aims to extend labor rights and insurance coverage to 5 million gig workers by 2025.
A recent UN labor report indicates that 60% of the global workforce lacks access to social protection. In India, the push for better gig worker rights is being embraced by startups like Urban Company, which now uses AI tools to ensure equitable pay and working hours for service professionals.
Unity in Diversity: Bridging Heritage and Labor
In a symbolic convergence, Azad Maidan in Mumbai hosted both Maharashtra Day festivities and labor union demonstrations. Farmers from Nashik protested the rising costs of fertilizers, while tech workers in Pune advocated for improved hybrid work frameworks and wage parity.
These twin commemorations reflect the spirit of justice, innovation, and inclusion—the very pillars that shape both Maharashtra and its people.