In Indian labour history, in which year did India celebrate its first official Labour Day (also called May Day) to recognise the rights and contributions of industrial workers?

Introduction / Context:
Labour Day, also known as May Day, is observed on 1 May in many countries to honour workers and the labour movement. In India, the first formal celebration of Labour Day marked a major step in recognising organised labour and the demand for better working conditions, fair wages, and an eight hour working day. This question tests knowledge of that landmark year in Indian labour history when May Day was officially celebrated for the first time in the country.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The focus is on the first official celebration of Labour Day in India.
- The observance being asked about is related to 1 May as a workers day.
- The options provide four different years: 1912, 1923, 1949, and 1953.
- We assume the term Labour Day here refers to the organised May Day event led by labour leaders and political groups.

Concept / Approach:
To answer the question, we recall that the modern Labour Day tradition in India is tied to the efforts of the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan. This party, along with trade union activists, organised the first May Day celebrations in Madras, now called Chennai. Remembering the year of that first celebration allows us to pick the correct option. Knowledge of labour movement milestones and Indian social reform history is helpful here.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Labour Day or May Day is celebrated on 1 May in India. Step 2: Remember that the first organised Labour Day in India was held in Madras, coordinated by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan under Singaravelar. Step 3: This first celebration in India took place on 1 May 1923, which is widely recorded in labour history. Step 4: Compare this remembered year with the options provided: 1912, 1923, 1949, and 1953. Step 5: Only the year 1923 matches the historically recorded date for the first Labour Day celebration in India.

Verification / Alternative Check:
A useful cross check is to link Labour Day in India with early twentieth century industrial and political developments. The 1920s saw strong trade union activity and the formation of several labour parties. Many reliable history and civics references mention that May Day was first celebrated in Madras in 1923. No major Indian labour movement sources place this first celebration as early as 1912 or as late as the post independence years 1949 or 1953, which confirms 1923 as the correct year.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
1912: This year is too early; India did not have an officially organised May Day celebration by that time even though some worker struggles already existed.
1949: This is after Indian independence and does not match recorded accounts of the first May Day observance in India.
1953: This is even later and relates to a different phase of labour and economic policy, not to the first celebration of Labour Day.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to assume that Labour Day in India began only after independence in 1947, leading some learners to choose 1949 or 1953. Others may guess an early date like 1912 simply because of the long history of industrialisation. Another error is to confuse Labour Day with other worker related milestones such as the founding of trade unions or the passing of labour laws. The question specifically asks about the first celebration of Labour Day, not the first labour law or union.

Final Answer:
The first official Labour Day or May Day celebration in India took place in Madras in the year 1923, so the correct answer is 1923.