# Dhruva Kumar

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

## Early life and education

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

## 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.His work and research emphasizes innovation in autonomous shipping and skills development. His research focuses on integrating automation and sustainable practices in maritime engineering. 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.

## Political career

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.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.

## Political Advocacy in Glasgow

Kumar has 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.