Dhruva Kumar

Last updated

Dhruva Kumar
Born
Motihari, Bihar
Nationality Flag of India.svg Indian
Education University of Dundee, Glasgow College of Nautical Studies, Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Strathclyde, City of Glasgow College, Glasgow
Occupations
  • Educationist
  • political activist
Political party Alba Party
Website www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk

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

Contents

Early life and education

Dhruva Kumar was born in Motihari district, Bihar, India. [3] Educated at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in his hometown, Kumar then moved Kota, Rajasthan for his higher studies. [4] After completing his secondary education in Kota, Rajasthan, Kumar moved to Scotland in 2006. [5] 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. [6] 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. [7] Kumar supports Scottish independent movement inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's satyagrah movement. [8]

Career in education and maritime engineering

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. [9] His work and research emphasizes innovation in autonomous shipping and skills development. His research focuses on integrating automation and sustainable practices in maritime engineering. [10] 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. [11]

Political career

An advocate for Scottish independence, Dhruva Kumar is involved in Scottish politics as a member of the Alba Party. He contested in the Glasgow South constituency during the UK general elections 2024 and serves as Media Coordinator for the Alba Friends of India group. [12] 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. [13]

Political Advocacy in Glasgow

Dhruva Kumar voiced strong opposition to the planned closure of the Grangemouth oil refinery, describing it as a critical economic and industrial asset for Scotland. He highlighted the refinery's contributions to Scotland's GDP and employment, emphasizing the importance of preserving high-quality technical jobs in the region. Kumar called for immediate government intervention, including modernization investments and consideration of nationalization, to ensure the site's viability and alignment with net-zero goals. He labeled the closure an act of "industrial vandalism" and urged public and political action to prevent it. [14]

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References

  1. ↑ "Scottish poll candidate's PM Modi-RaGa posts spark row". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
  2. ↑ "UK elections: Indian-origin candidate Dhruva Kumar seeks independence for Scotland". India Today. 4 July 2024. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  3. ↑ "यूके के ग्लास्गो में चम्पारण के लाल से मिले पीएम मोदी". Jagran. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  4. ↑ "छौड़ादानो के प्रो ध्रुव स्कॉटलैंड में सांसदी का लड़ रहे हैं चुनाव". Prabhat Khabar. 27 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  5. ↑ "One Brother's Dream, Another Brother's Reality: The Kumar Family's Legacy". Up 18 News. 21 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
  6. ↑ "Bihari in Scotland election". ETV Bharat. 22 May 2024. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  7. ↑ "Report on 4th International Web Conference on Advanced Research in Civil Engineering". Reva University. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  8. ↑ "Scotish poll candidate". MNS. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  9. ↑ "Report on 4th International Web Conference on Advanced Research in Civil Engineering". Reva University. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  10. ↑ 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.
  11. ↑ "Pro-independence leaders must now heed Alex salmonds call unity". The National Scot. Retrieved 10 December 2024.
  12. ↑ "Glasgow South results". BBC News. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  13. ↑ "Alba picks radical Hindu for Glasgow seat with big Muslim population". The Times. 9 June 2024. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  14. ↑ "Grangemouth oil refinery closure is not just an industrial issue". The National Scot. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
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