Lovely Professional University: The Valley of Big Thinkers

HER Team
Ashok Mittal, Chancellor Lovely Professional University
With 200+ professional programmes in 40+ disciplines, 3000+ faculty members, annual intake of 15, 000+ students, 3000+ international students from 70+ countries, 200+ international tie-ups, and above all, 50, 000+ alumni members working in 150+ countries, Lovely Professional University (LPU) located in Phagwara municipal corporation of Punjab, is the largest of its kind in India. The campus of LPU is indeed a mini township with extraordinary academic facilities, including an eight storied library and research block; plenty of workshop area; India's first IMac Lab; hostel and accommodation facilities for over 22,000 students; a shopping mall; numerous eateries; ATMs, Banks, Post Office; and various other on-campus facilities for students to grow and accomplish their goals. "We have one of Asia's largest fully Wi-Fi campus with unparalleled infrastructure to any of the universities in India. There is separately a Division of International Affairs to support International students," claims Ashok Mittal, Chancellor, Lovely Professional University.

Since its inception, LPU has registered tremendous evolution by achieving almost everything a top university should and the university makes the experience of a student more rewarding than at an institution with restricted number of subjects. "Many international students prefer taking admission at LPU, as they would get varied choice of professional courses on a single campus. In order of their individual preference, they seek admission for programmes in relation to Information Technology, Business Management, Para-Medical, Engineering, Sciences, Architecture, Agriculture, Hospitality Sector and more," elaborates Mittal. As students are real canvassers for their respective institutions, LPU international students are no less than any other in imbibing this spirit. They keep on adding value to the institution globally. Mittal adds,"All of them remain connected to the university and guide other students in their countries about the qualities at LPU. They also exhibit their extraordinary skills at their work places, which automatically amazes on looking co-workers about the best being imparted here."

For the ardent researchers at LPU, those are keen to use a blend of qualitative and quantitative research methods, outreach-training programmes keep on going at the campus

Blending Indian Ethos with Global Excellence

Through its slogan of transforming education, LPU seeks to revive the golden-glory of ancient Indian education system. By providing an academic ambience, innovative pedagogy of global significance, LPU aims to continue preparing students to succeed in a highly competitive professional environment. "Here, students are made to undergo an academic curricula designed with industry immersion programmes, where they learn through live projects, workshops under the guidance of experts. As such, the curriculum and pedagogy followed in LPU are at par with the best of the universities of the world," mentions Mittal. LPU University has one of the most advanced and industry relevant curricula in the country, as the management of the university is very keen on keeping it updated every year based on the feedbacks of the industry, academia and students. It gives unique advantage for the LPU students, as most of the Indian universities do not update their curriculum at all.

"We have strong academia-industry connect and thus have collaborated with top companies to provide industry immersion to its students," states Mittal. LPU has partnerships with top industry including Google, Cisco, Oracle, SAP, Microsoft and more for promoting intense industry versatility, rigour and recognition. The university also offers various opportunities to the students to work directly with industry on live and entrepreneurial projects, which provide students great insights about latest trends in the corporate world. "Recruiters from industry visit here every week and hold high opinion about our industry-ready students. Some feel that the energy and knowledge level of students are fantastic; other say that LPU has the best practices to provide to its students; whereas, programming, presentation, solution-providing skills of the students amaze many others," says Mittal.

Today, from top corporate houses to buzzing startups, LPU alumni can be found everywhere across the world. A large mass of LPU alumni is successfully pursuing careers in countries like USA, UK, Canada, Australia and working at Google, Yahoo and other big brands at packages of Rs. 1 Crore and more. On the other side, LPU provides opportunities to students through 'Student Entrepreneurship Cell' for various entrepreneurial activities at the campus. "We expose our students to the professional scenario during their student life. Student Entrepreneurship Cell organizes annual B-Plan competitions and provides real time entrepreneurship exposure opportunities to students who dream to be entrepreneurs," shares Mittal. LPU has established the EDIC for providing guidance and support through Idea Lab for generating and pooling of innovative and feasible business ideas. The university also has a Business Incubator for providing support in establishing new ventures, nourishing the proposed ideas and in helping to convert the feasible ideas into workable business models.

Instigating the Knowledge Building Process

For the ardent researchers at LPU, those are keen to use a blend of qualitative and quantitative research methods, outreach-training programmes keep on going at the campus. Such endeavours allow investigators to develop deeper understanding by using methodologies including focus groups, in-depth interviews and direct observation to investigate stakeholders' attitudes, beliefs and performances- the how and why of decision-making. Various research methods and facilities provide an opportunity to LPU scientists for systematic research.

"Recently, we collaborated with Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC) to work on Satellite Technology. Similarly, a few days ago, Ministry of Science & Technology's Advisory & Monitoring Committee Meeting was also held here, where 42 top scientists from IITs, NITs, IIITs, Central and State Universities from across the country presented their methodical research proposals for diverse sectors," mentions Mittal. LPU is also going to host 106th Indian Science Congress at its campus in January 2019, which will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Narender Modi, as per precedence. Here, LPU expects a participation of 15000 researchers including 300 top scientists and Nobel Laureates.

LPU ever carries forward a legacy of excellence and has been continuously focusing on developing future leaders, who in turn are driving needed change in the society. They are either assets to some global corporate giants or established entrepreneurs to create jobs for many. "Now, having created a strong international presence, we are poised to become a 'Centre of Excellence' in academics and research, and be listed among top 200 universities of the world by the year 2025," summarizes Mittal.

Ashok Mittal, Chancellor

An exponent of industry relevant higher education, Ashok Mittal has a vision to transform the way the education is delivered in India. He has envisioned LPU as the epitome of the same philosophy - "Transforming Education, Transforming India". His never say die spirit has always been a morale booster for LPU to perform better every year and strive to achieve more. "Simple living & high thinking" can also be attributed to this education baron who working hard has achieved much in his name. His decision to step into education, rather than any other sector, was based on the strong belief in his philosophy-'to pay back more to the society than received'. With strong acumen and great vision on the growth of the sector, Mr Mittal is regarded as a thought leader in the Education Sector. He is vocal about his policies that can change the entire education scenario and he is a forerunner always when it comes to conceptualizing. Being a leader in true sense of the words, he believes, "Experimentation is what we are committed to. Excellence is what we strive for, and service of humanity through education is what we stand for. The saga has begun and many milestones have to be achieved as we move ahead on our journey."

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