Ash Regan Leads Charge for Equality
In a landmark move for religious equality, Ash Regan MSP of the Alba Party has tabled Scotland’s first-ever parliamentary motion explicitly condemning Hinduphobia, marking a watershed moment in the nation’s fight against religious prejudice (writes DHRUVA KUMAR).
The motion, lodged on 8 April 2025 (S6M-17089), commends the Gandhian Peace Society’s groundbreaking report on rising discrimination against Scotland’s Hindu community and applauds the tireless efforts of its authors Dhruva Kumar, Neil Lal, Sukhi Bains, Anuranjan Jha, Ajit Trivedi driving change.
The motion, supported by MSPs across party lines, including Colin Beattie, Stephanie Callaghan, and Kevin Stewart—recognises the “alarming levels of prejudice, marginalisation, and discrimination” faced by Scottish Hindus, as documented in the Society’s report.
As previously presented to the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Challenging Racial and Religious Prejudice, the study sheds light on systemic challenges while proposing actionable solutions to foster interfaith dialogue, social cohesion, and cultural rights protections.
Ash Regan, MSP for Edinburgh Eastern, hailed the motion as “a vital step toward acknowledging and dismantling the barriers faced by Hindu communities.”
She said: “Scotland’s diversity is its strength, but we cannot celebrate that diversity while ignoring the voices of those harmed by prejudice. This motion isn’t just symbolic, it’s a demand for tangible change.”
Authored by Dhruva Kumar and Anuranjan Jha (trustees of the Gandhian Peace Society), Sukhi Bains, Ajit Trivedi, and special contributor Mr Neil Lal (President & Chairman of the Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom), the report combines rigorous data with firsthand accounts of Hinduphobia. Key contributors emphasised the urgency of their work:
Dhruva Kumar and Anuranjan Jha highlighted the report’s mission: “Gandhiji taught us that ‘non-violence’ includes combating ignorance. Our findings are a call to action for policymakers to safeguard every citizen’s right to practice their faith without fear.”
They added: “This isn’t about division; it’s about unity. By addressing Hinduphobia, we’re building bridges across all communities.”
Neil Lal underscored the societal stakes: “When places of worship are vandalised or families face slurs, it’s not just Hindus being attacked, it’s Scotland’s values of tolerance. This report is a mirror held up to our society, urging us to do better.”
The motion has resonated deeply within Scotland’s Hindu community, long advocating for recognition of their struggles.
Author Aline Dobbie, and noted Indian diaspora leaders Acharya Dr Abhishek Joshi (a Hindu spiritual leader) Rashmi Rai, and Poonam Prajapati, struck a hopeful note: “This motion isn’t an endpoint, it’s the beginning of a journey toward mutual respect. Let it inspire global action.”
The Gandhian Peace Society’s (GPS) report has already sparked international interest, with activists in the UK, India, and beyond lauding Scotland’s proactive stance. By linking religious freedom to broader societal equity, the motion aligns with global human rights frameworks while addressing local realities.
As the motion moves through parliamentary procedures, advocates urge Scots to engage with its findings and support grassroots initiatives.
Read the Full Motion Here:
https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/votes-and-motions/S6M-17089
Read the Full Report (Hinduphobia in Scotland) Here:
Chris McEleny, former Alba Party General Secretary, said: “In tabling this historic motion, Ash Regan and cross-party allies have not only amplified marginalised voices but also set a precedent for nations worldwide.”
Dhruva Kumar remarked: “As Scotland reckons with its commitment to inclusivity, Regan’s motion sets a precedent: religious harmony is not passive, it is fought for, legislated, and cherished.
“With global attention from the Indian diaspora and Scottish policymakers alike, this moment transcends borders, proving that justice for one community strengthens the soul of a nation.”
I am Aline Dobbie and am quoted. Very glad to support this motion. Born and grown up in India I could not fathom how Hinduphobia or enmity towards Hindus could exist/ flourish in my Scotland.