20/08/2025
** MICHAEL-92 **
Michael Fernandes Felicitated on his 92nd Birthday; HMKP Launches IT Workers Wing & New Website*
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In a heartfelt civic ceremony at Kondajji Basappa Auditorium,palace road, Bangalore, veteran socialist and trade union leader *Michael B. Fernandes* was honoured with a *Civic Recognition* by *Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah* on the occasion of his *92nd birth anniversary*.
The event, jointly organized by the *Hind Mazdoor Kisan Panchayat (HMKP)* and the *Santosh Lad Foundation*, brought together over 400 admirers, colleagues, and dignitaries who paid rich tributes to *Michael Fernandes* and his wife, noted social worker *Donna Fernandes*,( Chief of 'AWEKSHA' forum for women rights protection) for their lifelong dedication to public service and the rights of the working class.
In his address, the Chief Minister lauded *Michael Fernandes* as “_a living institution who has spent his entire life working for justice, equality, and the upliftment of workers and farmers._” The felicitation included the traditional presentation of a *shawl, Mysore peta, memento, and a citation* highlighting his decades of contribution to labour and civil society.
Adding to the day’s significance, the Chief Minister also inaugurated *HMKP’s official website (HMKPIndia.com)* and launched its *dedicated IT Workers Wing*, aimed at safeguarding labour rights in India’s technology sector. The initiative signals HMKP’s commitment to adapt its historic struggle for worker dignity to the needs of the digital era.
*Retired Chief Justice of India M. N. Venkatachaliah* graced the programme as Chief Guest, while *Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad* chaired the session. He also felicitated *Michael* and *Donna Fernandes* for their lifelong service.
Other eminent dignitaries present included *BR Patil*, Deputy Chairman of the Karnataka Planning Commission; *Nazeer Ahamed*, MLC and Political Secretary to the Chief Minister; *Professor Babu Mathew, National law school of India ,*Ramashankar*, senior socialist leader and former Minister from Madhya Pradesh; *SK Kanta*, former Karnataka Labour Minister; *PGR Sindhia , former finance Minister; *Mohan Kumar Kondajji*, ex-MLC; *L. Kalappa*, National President of HMKP and Fredi d'sa National Treasurer HMKP.
Speaking on future directions, *Dushyant Dubey*, social worker and HMKP Karnataka executive committee member, announced that the union will soon roll out a *mobile application* to help workers and farmers across India seek redress for workplace and livelihood concerns.
The event concluded with a *standing ovation*, symbolizing the deep respect and admiration that the working class and citizens continue to hold for *Michael Fernandes’* family and their enduring commitment to society.
- K.Veerendra
State general secretary
HMKP