VOTE ARYA RAJ PAPPINIVATTATH RAJAN
For Welfare and Liberation Officer
Hi people,
I’m Arya Raj Pappinivattath Rajan, MA Criminology student whose research focuses on genocide, terrorism, and radicalisation. My work has deepened my commitment to fighting injustice, hatred, and division in all forms.
As your Course Rep for MA Criminology, I’ve amplified student voices, pushing for better course funding and opportunities to explore beyond the syllabus. I founded and run Poe’s Poets, ARU’s poetry club, a space for anyone who finds solace in words, not just poets. I also lead ElectHER, the Women’s Political Empowerment Society.
I’ve served as a selected Campaigns and Political Rep and sat on Student Union grant panels, giving me real insight into how the Union operates.
I’m standing for Welfare and Liberation Officer because I’ve felt the gaps myself and I want to do what I wish someone had done for me: create a campus where welfare includes everyone, liberation is consistent (not seasonal), and student voices lead to real visible action.
Enough acknowledgments. We need solutions.
No more one-way conversations. I’ll bridge the University and students with regular open forums, transparent progress reports, joint working groups, and follow-through campaigns, so your concerns become priorities and deliver results.
My main priorities and the targeted campaigns I’ll initiate and drive forward:
1. Year-Round LGBTQ+ Inclusion – Beyond Pride Month
We’re in the 21st century, yet our campus isn’t fully homophobia-free. Inclusion is more than badges and one month. We must challenge subtle whispers and overt hate.
Launch monthly safe-space drop-ins and ally workshops
Create a “LGBTQ+ Liberation Week” with panels, events, and advocacy to keep visibility alive every term.
2. A Truly Welcoming Campus for Home and International Students
The Union isn’t just for international students.
Run “Home & Away Together” integration campaign: termly cultural exchanges, buddy schemes, and home-student-led socials to celebrate local culture and reduce isolation.
3. Holistic Welfare for Every Student
Mental health support in this country is already expensive and how many of us actually access campus counselling?
Campaign for faster, more accessible services with “Welfare Walk-Ins” pop-up sessions in halls and libraries so you can talk freely, not queue like it’s a supermarket chore.
Launch cost-of-living relief: food bank partnerships & subsidy pushes.
4. Safe Spaces to Speak, Stand, and Strengthen Together
We need university platforms to openly discuss current affairs and challenge hate without fear of backlash, silencing, or harm.
Create “Stand United Forums” monthly panels on bullying, Islamophobia, homophobia, racism, and radicalisation.
Launch “No Space for Hate” awareness weeks: workshops, better reporting tools, and solidarity events (believe me, your voice matters).
Build collective action: petitions and statements to take stands on issues affecting us nationally and globally.
I’ve been the student who needed better support and through my roles I’ve worked to provide it. I don't want any more barriers stopping us from doing better. So now, let’s scale it up for everyone.
Vote ARYA RAJ PAPPINIVATTATH RAJAN for Welfare and Liberation Officer
Because this time it’s personal; it’s political.
Love,
Arya