Mon Dec 08 19:11:23 UTC 2025: Summary:
Renowned Indian socialist leader Baba Adhav passed away at the age of 95 in Pune on December 8, 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest following a period of kidney failure. A lifelong activist, Adhav dedicated his life to fighting the caste system and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities, including laborers, waste-pickers, and street vendors. He was involved in numerous social movements throughout his life, from the freedom movement to protests against electronic voting machines. His passing has been met with widespread condolences from political leaders and social activists, who remember him as a champion of social justice and a vital figure in Maharashtra’s tradition of social reform.
News Article:
Socialist Icon Baba Adhav Passes Away at 95
Pune, India – December 9, 2025 – Baba Adhav, a prominent figure in India’s socialist movement, passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025, at a hospital in Pune at the age of 95. Adhav, known for his tireless advocacy for the rights of laborers, head-loaders, waste-pickers, and other marginalized communities, had been in the ICU for 12 days due to kidney failure and suffered a fatal cardiac arrest.
Adhav’s life was marked by his unwavering commitment to social justice. He participated in the freedom movement, the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, anti-Emergency protests, and numerous campaigns against the caste system. In recent years, he remained active in political discourse, even protesting the use of electronic voting machines in elections.
His mortal remains will be kept at Hamal Bhavan in Pune today, December 9, 2025, from 10 am to 5 pm, before being cremated at 5:30 pm in an electric crematorium.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis mourned Adhav’s passing, calling him “the backbone of the movement for the rights of head-loaders, rickshaw drivers, and construction workers.” Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena UBT, hailed him as “the lighthouse for all those who fight for the protection of democracy.” He is survived by his wife, Sheelatai Adhav, two sons, and their families.
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