The UK General Election is scheduled for July 4, 2024. In the UK Hindu communities, politics is often considered a taboo subject. Many do not exercise their right to vote, while others vote out of loyalty to a particular party without considering the broader implications for themselves, their community, and the nation.

Hindus make up approximately 1.7% of the total population, more than 1 million people according to the 2021 Census for England and Wales. Despite our small numbers, we make significant contributions to the UK economy through taxes and to the National Health Service (NHS) through our roles as doctors, nurses, engineers, and other staff. Our businesses provide employment for tens of thousands of people.

We excel in education, with the majority of UK Hindus pursuing further and higher education. Our hard work has led to us becoming self-sufficient, independent, and affluent. Furthermore, we are one of the most law-abiding communities, making up less than 0.3% of the UK prison population.

Our community groups and organisations thrive and succeed, reflecting our religious sects (sampradays), states, regions, and languages. However, despite our success and achievements, we have yet to unite as a cohesive Hindu community with a strong UK-wide presence.

While we have integrated into the UK society, we have not fully integrated into the UK system where policies are made, legislation is passed, and narratives are shaped. We lack a meaningful voice to contribute to shaping the future of this country.

Inspite our significant contributions, we are underrepresented and often misrepresented in education, academia, media, and politics at local and national levels. Hindus are frequently targeted, maligned and vilified without adequate defence or correction.

Politics is a field where we can make a substantial impact, yet we remain one of the least politically engaged communities.

Living in a democracy gives us the privilege to vote for our representatives and the future of our country, but we seldom exercise this right.

This must change. Our community needs to engage with the political system, to have a seat at the table to shape and influence the future of the country. This future affects not only us but also our children and future generations.

Voting is not just our right but our duty, our Dharma.

The upcoming general election is a crucial opportunity to make our voices heard. We need to show parliamentary candidates that our votes cannot be taken for granted and must be earned.

We have expectations from our representatives to address our interests, which align with the UK’s progress. We seek fair representation, recognition of our contributions, and an understanding that Sanātan Hindu Dharma is an asset to the UK.

On July 4th, go out and vote!