Sunday 19th April 2025: INSIGHT UK [https://www.instagram.com/insightuk2/] held the first of its Civic and Political engagement workshops for Hindus in Birmingham. Set to be repeated over coming months across other cities and towns, these workshops raise awareness of the opportunities for British Hindus to contribute towards society, improve the lives of all communities and help strengthen democracy. Though the percentage of Hindus entering into political life remains small, thanks to ongoing education and awareness by groups such as INSIGHT UK, members of the community are now coming forward as candidates as local councillors, MPs and mayors. In addition to highlighting the many opportunities to participate in politics these workshops addresses the less understood space of Civic Engagement where members of the public can influence and contribute in a non-political role in public spaces. Many of these voluntary roles often involve very little time commitment. Examples of civic engagement includes school governor, diversity networks, independent advisory groups, interfaith networks etc.
These workshops seek; in part, to address the underrepresentation and often non-existence of Hindu voices across Britain’s civic life. However this initiative is more than the securing the interests of a minority community. INSIGHT UK hopes that the values of Dharma can play a constructive role to benefit Britain.
Dharma offers an alternative perspective to the polarising ideologies of free market capitalism, Communism and religious supremacy with values such as mutual respect, selfless service, seeing the divine in all beings and in nature. Hindu Civilisation; is one of the world’s oldest which still natures a level of cultural diversity seen elsewhere. Dharma therefore has potential to provide solutions for Britain’s increasing social strife and polarisation. In addition to not demanding conversion or blind obedience, Dharma goes beyond performative tolerance to honour diversity of thought, expression and belief.
Further details of events near you can be found on: events.insightuk.org