Faces of Faith
Storytelling & Photography Exhibition
On num sit adi de nis aut alictio eatur aut aspicab illo oditibus, sendemquasit lant, ut a aut asi aditia accus sita et antur, sequi que porem con consecta et et is inverum voluptis reicita sinciende sunt. Mus nam restem voluptatibus earum fugianto venest ad earunt haruntis eius audaepudae secab iundeni scipitat arum et que ipsapedi omni ut et vere ligenda consequi ilis utatior porporesequi ab imendamus es venisquae in rerum aut assit, im hiliquam evella essint.
On num sit adi de nis aut alictio eatur aut aspicab illo oditibus, sendemquasit lant, ut a aut asi aditia accus sita et antur, sequi que porem con consecta et et is inverum voluptis reicita sinciende sunt. Mus nam restem voluptatibus earum fugianto venest ad earunt haruntis eius audaepudae secab iundeni scipitat arum et que ipsapedi omni ut et vere ligenda consequi ilis utatior porporesequi ab imendamus es venisquae in rerum aut assit, im hiliquam evella essint.
Person 4
Hindu, Student, Activist, Singer, Optimist
Anish is a young Hindu from Aberdeen, fresh out of high school and starting university to study medicine.
Like many his age, Anish is an activist.
Tackling poverty and the climate crisis are the big issues Anish is keen to discuss, and he does so eloquently. Recently he approached his local MP and advocated for the UK to increase its vaccine equity efforts. The next day the MP raised the issue in parliament.
At only eighteen Anish is clear about his values and has been navigating challenging conversations for most of his life.
As a Hindu, Anish wears the sacred ash, known as Vilbhuti, on his forehead, which he applies every day after praying. Having grown up with family and friends who wore Vibhuti, Anish was unprepared for the reactions of his classmates and teachers when he started wearing it to school in Primary 4.
In the classroom he faced unsolicited questions and even slurs. One boy asked him why he was wearing toothpaste on his head.
While seeking advice, Anish’s grandfather explained to him the importance of wearing the ash. Vibhuti provides energy to destroy negative thoughts and focus on positive ones, and it ensures that the wearer can connect with the divine. He said the Vibhuti symbolises that everyone comes from the earth and will return to the earth.
With this new understanding, Anish felt more prepared to navigate discussions about his faith with others. In recent years he has shared his experience as a young Hindu in Scotland at interfaith dialogue events across the country.
Through conversations with people of other beliefs Anish has noticed the similarities in religious views about the environment. In Hinduism, caring and protecting Bhoomi Devi (Mother Earth) is considered a religious duty that forms a part of a Dharmic lifestyle.
Anish believes that while religion is often perceived as a tool of the past, it can be used to shape a better future.
While Anish is headed for a world of medicine, he is taking his commitment to equality and the environment with him. He believes that while medicine has advanced greatly, we live on a polluted planet where inequality in healthcare is a reality for too many.
When asked about his future in activism, Anish does not shy away. He reflects on a recent conversation with an MP who told him it would never be too late to pursue a career in politics after medicine.
Alongside his studies, Anish is part of the ONE Campaign, a youth advocacy group focused on eradicating poverty. He is keen to engage in activism throughout university and beyond.
Anish’s hope for the future is that we move beyond tolerance and strive for a world where everyone can coexist freely.
