UCU Scotland Congress Endorses SFI UK Chapter

Edinburgh: UCU(University and College Union) Scotland Congress on Friday overwhelmingly passed a motion welcoming the establishment of the UK chapter of the Student Federation of India (SFI), marking a significant step in building stronger ties between Indian student activists and trade union movements in the UK.
The motion congratulated Nikhil Mathew of Edinburgh University on being appointed as the national secretary of SFI UK. Congress recognised SFI as a major left- wing social movement in India with deep-rooted connections to trade unions and progressive causes. It also acknowledged the potential of the UK chapter as a key platform for Indian students to express solidarity with issues that align with UCU values.
The motion was moved by Eurig Scandrett, Vice President of the UCU branch at Queen Margaret University. Speaking at the Congress, Scandrett praised SFI UK's clear stance in support of the Palestinian cause and highlighted the organisation’s role in countering the growing influence of right-wing groups such as the Sangh Parivar among Indian students in Scotland. He also noted that the current President of the UCU Queen Margaret University branch, Kavi Jagadamma, was himself a former member of SFI during his student years.
The motion was seconded by Talat Ahmad, a delegate from Edinburgh University, and received widespread support.Commenting on the outcome, Scandrett said:"I'm delighted that this motion has been passed overwhelmingly and I hope that it will facilitate stronger links between SFI and UCU on campuses across Scotland in support of our shared agendas."
The decision signals UCU Scotland’s commitment to international solidarity and its openness to engaging with grassroots student organisations working for social justice and workers’ rights.