Earlier this month I had the humbling opportunity to stand as a candidate for the local town councillor elections.
Throughout my experience I learnt the importance of representing my town and community, and that we need to step forward, not just as voters but as candidates, organisers and informed citizens to ensure our voices are heard.
It was not all about winning but a learning curve about understanding concerns of the locals while door-knocking but also learning to articulate your vision and thoughts to them.
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Looking back on my journey, UK Parliament Week played a significant role in helping me to engage with politics and understand what it’s all about. It encourages people of all ages to engage with democracy, to understand how Parliament works, and most importantly, to realise that their voices matter. For me, participating in events around UK Parliament Week — discussions, debates, and learning how the layers of governance operate — helped me to get a more holistic view and sparked an enthusiasm to participate in local elections.
At Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) UK, and my own Amersham Maya Shakha, we naturally carry the ethos of sewa and standing up for the local elections was an extension of this into the wider community. Being in a position as a councillor is where dedicated individuals can make a tangible difference from planning community events and environmental policies to upkeeping the shared spaces.
Hence younger swayamsevaks and sevikas should pay more attention during UK Parliament Week and if they have interest in public service should ask questions, be aware, raise their voices and consider standing up for candidacy.
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UK Parliament Week is a project of the House of Commons, House of Lords and the Speaker’s Office in collaboration with Parliament Education and Engagement. HSS UK, as a partner organisation, has seen several parliamentarians, councillors and mayors attending events at 53 Shakhas (branches) every year to increase understanding of how Parliament works and how British Hindus can participate actively in politics.
*Info: UK Parliament Week; HSS UK