From Bihar to Scotland: Dhruva Kumar’s Impact on Scottish Politics, Social Justice, Trade Unions, Education and Community Empowerment

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.