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Dhruva Kumar
Prof Dhruva Kumar
Born
Motihari, Bihar
NationalityIndia Indian
EducationUniversity of Dundee, Glasgow College of Nautical Studies, Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Strathclyde, City of Glasgow College, Glasgow
Occupations
  • Educationist
  • political activist
Political partyAlba Party
Websitewww.albaparty.org/kumar_for_glasgow_south/

Dhruva Kumar[1](born 10 December 1987) is an Indian-born educationist, maritime engineer, and political activist based in Glasgow, Scotland.[2] In 2024, Dhruva fought MP election from Glasgow South with Alba Party, a Scottish nationalist and pro-independence political party in Scotland.[3]

Early life and education

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Dhruva Kumar was born in Motihari district, Bihar, India.[4] Educated at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in his hometown, Kumar then moved Kota, Rajasthan for his higher studies.[5] After completing his secondary education in Kota, Rajasthan, Kumar moved to Scotland in 2006.[6] He earned a bachelor's degree in Mechanical and Electronic Systems Engineering from Glasgow Caledonian University and pursued advanced qualifications in education and leadership from the University of Dundee. Kumar became senior researcher at the University of Strathclyde, focusing on autonomous and unmanned vessel systems.[7] In 2018, he became the Head of Curriculum for Marine Engineering at the City of Glasgow College, where he oversees training for one-third of the UK's marine engineering apprentices.[8] Kumar supports Scottish independent movement inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's satyagrah movement.[9]

Career in education and maritime engineering

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Dhruva Kumar began his professional journey in the maritime industry before transitioning into education. In 2018, he became the Head of Curriculum for Marine Engineering at the City of Glasgow College, where he oversees training for one-third of the UK's marine engineering apprentices.[10]His work and research emphasizes innovation in autonomous shipping and skills development. His research focuses on integrating automation and sustainable practices in maritime engineering.[11] Dhruva’s contributions extend far beyond education, social justice, and politics. He has emerged as strong political voice in Scotland and has been instrumental in modernising maritime education, addressing challenges posed by automation and climate change in the shipping industry. His research on maritime education during the COVID-19 pandemic has provided strategic frameworks for enhancing the resilience of training systems.[12]

Political career

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Kumar is a member of the Alba Party and contested the 2024 UK general election in the Glasgow South constituency. He also serves as the Media Coordinator for the Alba Friends of India group. His political positions include advocacy for Scottish independence, and he has written about Indo-UK relations, religious tolerance, and sustainable development.[13]Kumar frequently engages in public debates and has written extensively on Indo-UK relations, racial and religious tolerance, and sustainable development. The Times reported on Kumar's selection by the Alba Party, highlighting his support for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his history of making inflammatory social media remarks, including derogatory comments about "half breeds" and criticisms of the Nehru-Gandhi family.[14]

Political advocacy in Glasgow

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Kumar publicly opposed the planned closure of the Grangemouth oil refinery, arguing that it plays a significant role in Scotland’s economy and employment sector. He has called for government intervention, including modernization efforts and potential nationalization, to maintain the site’s operations and meet environmental targets.[15]

Advocacy against Hinduphobia

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In April 2025, Dhruva Kumar played a pivotal role in the introduction and passage of Motion S6M‑17089 in the Scottish Parliament, making it the first UK legislature to formally condemn Hinduphobia. The motion, tabled by Alba Party MSP Ash Regan on April 8, explicitly acknowledged rising prejudice, workplace discrimination, temple vandalism, and cultural erasure documented in a report authored by the Gandhian Peace Society (GPS), for which Kumar serves as General Secretary.

The motion commended the GPS for bringing attention to these issues, praised its research, advocacy, and efforts toward interfaith dialogue, and encouraged continued collaboration among policymakers, religious communities, and educators[16]The report—co-authored by Kumar alongside Anuranjan Jha, Sukhi Bains, Neil Lal, and Ajit Trivedi—includes firsthand accounts of discrimination, ranging from hate speech in schools to vandalism of Hindu temples.[17]Commenting on the motion, Kumar emphasized its grounding in Gandhian philosophy, stating, “Gandhiji taught us non‑violence includes combating ignorance,” and described the motion as a vehicle for building social unity and ensuring that Scots of all backgrounds live without fear of prejudice.

References

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  1. ^ "Dhruva Kumar on India's Rise: How Becoming the Fourth-Largest Economy Shapes Global Strategy". Republic World. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
  2. ^ "Scottish poll candidate's PM Modi-RaGa posts spark row". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
  3. ^ "UK elections: Indian-origin candidate Dhruva Kumar seeks independence for Scotland". India Today. 4 July 2024. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  4. ^ "यूके के ग्लास्गो में चम्पारण के लाल से मिले पीएम मोदी". Jagran. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  5. ^ "छौड़ादानो के प्रो ध्रुव स्कॉटलैंड में सांसदी का लड़ रहे हैं चुनाव". Prabhat Khabar. 27 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  6. ^ "One Brother's Dream, Another Brother's Reality: The Kumar Family's Legacy". Up 18 News. 21 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
  7. ^ "Bihari in Scotland election". ETV Bharat. 22 May 2024. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  8. ^ "Report on 4th International Web Conference on Advanced Research in Civil Engineering". Reva University. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  9. ^ "Scotish poll candidate". MNS. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  10. ^ "Report on 4th International Web Conference on Advanced Research in Civil Engineering". Reva University. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  11. ^ Kumar, Dhruva (2021). "Identification of Maritime Education and Training Institutions (METIs) risk in pandemic restrictions". International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) & Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport – via researchgate.net.
  12. ^ "Pro-independence leaders must now heed Alex salmonds call unity". The National Scot. Retrieved 10 December 2024.
  13. ^ "Glasgow South results". BBC News. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  14. ^ "Alba picks radical Hindu for Glasgow seat with big Muslim population". The Times. 9 June 2024. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  15. ^ "Grangemouth oil refinery closure is not just an industrial issue". The National Scot. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  16. ^ "https://www.uniindia.com/dhruva-kumar-and-gandhian-39-s-legacy-scotland-parliament-sets-precedent-with-anti-45-hinduphobia-motion/pnn/news/3444222.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com". United News of India. Retrieved 22 June 2025. {{cite news}}: External link in |title= (help)
  17. ^ "Scottish Parliament passes first-ever motion to combat Hinduphobia". MyIndMakers. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
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