Dr Reva Gudi is one of the several British Indians in fray in the UK elections to be held on July 4. As Rishi Sunak has always been very open about his Hindu faith, his party’s Reva Gudi says her inspiration is Bhagavad Gita. The Conservation candidate from Feltham and Heston says she believes in the power of inclusion. Her faith and ‘sanskar’ have been a guiding force throughout her life, she said in a campaign video.”The principle of dharma (righteousness), seva (service), ahimsa (non-violence) are integral to my approach to politics,” she said.
Who is Dr Reva Gudi? 5 things to know
Who is Dr Reva Gudi? 5 things to know
- An NHS general practitioner for over 20 years, Dr Reva Gudi is a resident of Hillingdon, West London.
- Dr Gudi was born in Barnet, North London. She attended a primary school in Colindale before her family returned to India.
- She has been living in Hillingdon since 2016 with her husband, in-laws and children.
- Reva said her entire professional life as a doctor and a school governor has been of public service and she feels she can bring tangible difference to the community if she becomes an MP.
- Feltham and Heston will be at the front and centre of her mind when she becomes an MP, she said.
- “I will be tough on crime, look to address the causes and also work with various agencies and organizations to come up with meaningful solutions. I will be fighting for resources for Feltham and Heston,” she said in her campaign pitch.
‘Gita helped me navigate this journey’
Dr Reva Gudi is a Hindu and considered Gita to be her inspiration. “Politics is unpredictable with many highs and lows, where I am dealing with various people and situations, often all at once. And I have found that the message of Bhagwad Gita, highlighting letting go of ego — detachment — and service without any desire of the fruits of action, have helped me navigate this journey, making it for the most part very enjoyable,” she said.
“As a Hindu woman, I do sometimes face unique challenges, including overcoming stereotypes and ensuring that my voice is heard, in predominantly, what can be a male-dominated field,” she said.