Lokhande

Lokhande is a surname of Indian origin, commonly found among communities in Maharashtra and other parts of India. The name itself is derived from the Marathi word "lokhand," meaning "iron." This suggests a historical connection to professions related to ironworking, such as blacksmithing or metal trading, or perhaps a figurative association with strength or resilience.

Families bearing the Lokhande surname have contributed to various fields throughout Indian history. While it is a surname shared by many individuals, it is particularly associated with the Maratha community.

One of the most prominent figures with this surname was Narayan Meghaji Lokhande, often hailed as a pioneer of the labor movement in India. He was a key figure in the late 19th century, advocating for the rights of textile mill workers in Bombay (now Mumbai). Lokhande organized strikes and campaigned for improved working conditions, shorter working hours, and better wages. He is credited with establishing the first labor union in India, the Bombay Mill Hands Association, in 1890. His efforts laid the foundation for organized labor in the country and earned him recognition as a social reformer and a champion of the working class. His legacy continues to be remembered in discussions of Indian labor history and social justice.