LABOUR DAY ESSAY 3 (400 WORDS) Introduction
Labour Day, a special day dedicated to the labourers and working class people, is a public
holiday in most of the countries. It is celebrated on the 1st of May in more than 80
countries. Canada and United States observe it on the 1st Monday of September. Many
countries have their own dates to celebrate this date. However, the reason for the
celebration remains the same and that is to celebrate the hard work of the labour class.
Labour Day in India – History and Origin
Labour Day in India was first celebrated on 1st May 1923. This celebration was held in the
Indian state of Madras by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan. On this day, Comrade
Singaravelar organised two meetings at different places in the state. One of these was
organised at Triplicane Beach and the other one was arranged at the beach opposite
Madras High Court. He passed a resolution stating government must announce a national
holiday on this day.
Labour Day in Different Indian States
In India, Labour Day is known by the name Antarrashtriya Shramik Diwas or Kamgar Din.
However, different states in the country call it by different names. In Tamil it is known as
Uzhaipalar Dhinam, in Malayalam it is known as Thozhilaali Dinam and in Kannada it is
referred to as Karmikara Dinacharane.
1st May in the state of Maharashtra is also celebrated as Maharashtra Day and in Gujarat
it is celebrated as Gujarat Day. This is because in the year 1960 on this very date,
Maharashtra and Gujarat attained statehood.
Labour Day in India – Celebration
Just as in various other parts of the world, Labour Day is a day of celebration for the
people belonging to the labour class in India too. On this day, protests are carried out
against any unjust practice being followed against the labourers by any organization.
Processions are also carried out to demonstrate that the labourers stand united and will
not tolerate any unreasonable demand by the capitalists. Speeches are delivered by
prominent leaders to promote unity amid the labourers. Labour unions also conduct
picnics and other recreational activities.
Conclusion
The origin of Labour Day exemplifies how nothing is impossible if we stand united. Trade
unions were formed and they stood strong against the unjust treatment of the labourers.
Though, the exploitation of the labour class by the Capitalists was always evident no one
290 took action against it. The joint efforts of the trade unions forced the government to make
laws favouring the labourers.