VOIWORLD/DESK
After the Scottish Parliament Group endorsed groundbreaking Hinduphobia report by Gandhian Peace Society, VOIWORLD interviewed a key functionary and the man behind the report Dhruva Kumar, General Secretary- Gandhian Peace Society, United Kingdom. Here are the excerpts
What are the reasons for picking this topic of Hinduphobia?
Dhruva:
Hinduphobia is a critical issue that has been gaining attention globally due to its impact on Hindu communities, as well as in Scotland. We have been working on it since 2022, work started by the Indian Council of Scotland, and collecting data to substantiate it exists in Scotland. The term refers to prejudice, hostility, or stereotyping directed at Hindu people, practices, or beliefs. I chose this topic because it is often misunderstood or dismissed, even as instances of anti-Hindu bias have increased in various parts of the world including Scotland, including social media platforms and academic institutions. The decision to address Hinduphobia stems from alarming patterns of discrimination and hate crimes against Scotland’s Hindu community, which comprises 0.3% of the population. Incidents such as the 2021 vandalism of the temple, attacks on Hindu homes in Glasgow, and
workplace discrimination highlighted systemic prejudice. As General Secretary of the Gandhian Peace Society, I felt compelled to document these injustices through the “Hinduphobia in Scotland” report, which is rooted in Gandhi’s principles of nonviolence and social justice. The lack of legislative recognition for Hinduphobia as a hate crime further underscored the urgency of this work, I aim to foster awareness and encourage constructive
dialogue to combat such biases.
How serious and widespread is this problem, especially in Scotland?
Dhruva:
In Scotland, as in other Western nations, Hinduphobia manifests in various forms, including stereotyping Hindus as inherently linked to portraying Hinduism negatively in educational materials. This issue is compounded by a lack of understanding about Hindu culture and religion. Reports indicate that social media platforms amplify such biases through derogatory memes and hashtags. Additionally, there is a growing concern among South Asian communities about internalised prejudices within the diaspora itself. These challenges make
it imperative to address Hinduphobia as a serious and widespread issue. Hinduphobia in Scotland is both severe and underreported. Key findings from our report reveal:
Hate Crimes: A 56% increase in charges related to Hinduism (2019–2021), including
temple arson and graffiti.
Employment Discrimination: Hindus face the lowest recruitment success rates in
public sectors (e.g., 1.99% at NHS Glasgow).
Social Attitudes: 16% of Scots oppose Hindu interfaith marriages, higher than for
Muslims (14%) or Jews (11%).
Cultural Misrepresentation: 93% of Hindu employees avoid religious attire at work
due to fear of stereotyping.
These statistics reflect systemic bias and the need for urgent intervention.
What was the response of Parliamentarians?
Dhruva:
The response from Parliamentarians has been mixed. While some have shown support for addressing Hinduphobia and ensuring fair representation of Hindu communities, others have been hesitant due to political sensitivities around topics like caste discrimination. In Scotland specifically, raising awareness among lawmakers is a work in progress. Advocacy efforts aim to educate Parliamentarians about the unique challenges faced by Hindu communities and to encourage policies that promote inclusivity and understanding.
Alba Party’s Acting leader fully endorses it including other party leaders and members of the Scottish Government Cross Party Group.
Tell us about your journey of coming from India to Scotland and how you got
involved in such activities.
Dhruva:
My journey from India to Scotland has been one of personal growth and cultural exchange. I moved here for higher education and professional opportunities but soon realised the challenges faced by minority communities like Hindus in preserving their identity while integrating into a new society. Witnessing instances of bias and misrepresentation motivated me to take action. I began engaging with local community organizations, advocating for cultural awareness, and participating in dialogues on social issues affecting Hindus. My journey also began with a commitment to social justice inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings and trade union movement supporting strikes for Scottish lecturers better pay and conditions. After moving to Scotland, I witnessed the Hindu community’s struggles with integration and discrimination. This led me to co-author the Hinduphobia in Scotland report and advocate for legislative changes through the Gandhian Peace Society. My role as General Secretary and collaboration with MSPs, and non-political members of the Scottish Government Cross Party Group allowed me to bridge cultural gaps and amplify Hindu voices in policymaking.
You have also participated in elections and you are an active member of Alba Party. How are you getting ready for the next elections?
Dhruva:
As a former Member of Parliament candidate and an executive active member of the Alba Party Glasgow, my focus has been on representing voices and advocating for policies that promote equality and inclusivity. For the upcoming elections, I am working on building grassroots support within diverse communities while emphasising issues like the economy, education reform, cultural representation, and combating all forms of discrimination,
including Hinduphobia. My campaign strategy includes engaging with local leaders, hosting community events, and leveraging social media platforms to spread awareness about my initiatives. My campaign Strategy for the 2025 Holyrood Election: Advocating Alba Party Policies on advancing Independence as a Central Campaign Theme, urging pro-independence voters to back Alba on regional lists to maximize MSP seats, Alba’s manifesto prioritises saving jobs and industries critical to Scotland’s economy.
Do you think more global Indians should take up this topic of Hinduphobia and
spread awareness about it in their countries?
Dhruva:
Absolutely! Global Indians play a crucial role in addressing Hinduphobia by sharing their experiences and fostering cross-cultural understanding. By raising awareness about this issue in their respective countries, they can help dispel stereotypes and promote accurate representations of Hinduism. Indian diaspora communities need to unite against all forms of discrimination while advocating for mutual respect and coexistence. Their efforts can also inspire policymakers worldwide to take proactive measures against bias.
