Scotland, United Kingdom, 22 May 2025
In the evolving landscape of Scottish
politics, Dhruva Kumar emerges as a multifaceted figure whose contributions
span education, political activism, and social justice. Born in Motihari,
Bihar, India, and now based in Glasgow, Scotland, Kumar's journey reflects a
commitment to fostering inclusivity and equity within Scottish society.
During the 2024 UK General Election, Dhruva
Kumar stood as the Alba Party MP candidate for Glasgow South, running a bold
and people-centred campaign focused on key issues affecting everyday Scots. He
championed urgent action against fuel poverty by proposing a Social Tariff to
make energy more affordable for struggling families. His plan to establish a
National House Building Company aimed to tackle Scotland’s housing crisis and
ensure secure, warm homes for all. Kumar also demanded the removal of VAT from
energy bills and a reduction of general VAT to 10%, potentially saving
households up to £2,500 a year. Committed to ending child poverty, he backed
Alba’s five-point plan to lift thousands of families out of deprivation. He was
a strong advocate for women’s rights, calling for the protection of single-sex
spaces, services, and sports. On the global front, Kumar called for an
immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urged the UK Government to halt arms sales to
Israel. His campaign blended grassroots advocacy with a clear vision for an
independent, fairer, and socially just Scotland.
As an executive, Deputy Convenor, media
officer of the Alba Party, Glasgow, Kumar articles in The Herald, The National,
and Edinburgh News cover vital topics like saving Grangemouth, Scottish
sovereignty, and economic self-determination, amplifying his voice in Scottish
media.
Often called Professor and greatly admired
by the late Former First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond- the greatest
political figure of Scotland, Dhruva Kumar's academic pursuits led him
to institutions such as the University of Dundee and the University of
Strathclyde, where he specialised in educational leadership and maritime
engineering. His expertise has been instrumental in shaping marine education in
Scotland, with a focus on integrating technological advancements into the
curriculum. As an educationist, he has
shaped educational strategies for Autonomous Shipping and worked with
regulatory bodies like the Scottish Qualifications Authority, Maritime and
Coastguard Agency, etc. His participation in the UK Westminster committee
inquiries into shipbuilding further underscores his expertise, as noted in
educational conferences. His efforts have educated thousands of students, given
his role, though the exact numbers like "over ten thousand".
As General Secretary of the Gandhian Peace
Society, Kumar authored the report "Hinduphobia in Scotland:
Understanding, Addressing, and Overcoming Prejudice." Presented to the
Scottish Parliament's Cross-Party Group on Challenging Racial and Religious
Prejudice, the report highlights a 56% increase in anti-Hindu hate crimes
between 2019 and 2021. It also addresses workplace discrimination and social
stigma faced by the Hindu community. The report's recommendations include legal
reforms, educational initiatives, and community support mechanisms to combat
religious prejudice.
One of Kumar's standout contributions is
his leadership in combating Hinduphobia, authoring a report for the Gandhian
Peace Society that led to the Scottish Parliament's first-ever motion
condemning anti-Hindu hate, passed in 2025 and supported by MSP Ash Regan. This
initiative, detailed in multiple news outlets, has garnered global attention
and praise from leaders, marking a historic milestone for Scotland's Hindu
community.
Prof Kumar's strong trade union background,
particularly fighting for fair pay and working conditions for Scottish
lecturers, is evident from his critiques of economic policies affecting
workers, such as his concerns about freeports, his article published on free
ports in The National and North Edinburgh News.
His international stature was highlighted
by his 2023 state visit to India. In April 2023, Kumar made a state visit to
India for the International Conference on Defence Finance and Economics in New
Delhi, organised by India's Ministry of Defence. His involvement underscores
the importance of global collaboration in defence and economic strategies.
He played a pivotal role in supporting
India’s Clean Ganga Mission through the creation of the Ganga Scotland Chapter
in coordination with the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), fostering
cultural diplomacy and ecological collaboration between India and Scotland.
Further amplifying this vision, he proposed the establishment of a Clyde–Ganga
Economic Corridor—a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing trade,
environmental cooperation, and diaspora engagement between the Clyde River
region and the Ganga basin.
Balancing his political, professional
endeavours, Kumar is a dedicated family man, his wife, Kamni Kumar, and their
two beautiful children, Varda Jaiswal and Achintya Jaiswal. His personal and
professional lives are intertwined by a common thread: a commitment to
fostering inclusive, equitable, and progressive communities in Scotland.
As Scotland continues to navigate its
identity and place within the UK and the broader international community,
voices like Dhruva Kumar's play a crucial role in shaping a future grounded in
education, equality, and empowerment.