Lovely Professional University, situated in Phagwara, Punjab, has recently drawn intense media scrutiny following massive student protests and heightened security measures on its campus. The university administration took strict preventive action by implementing a complete internet shutdown across the campus and its surrounding areas to restore order. This turbulence erupted when students took to the streets to protest against alleged sexual harassment claims made against a female student. The situation quickly escalated into violent incidents involving campus vandalism, arson, and the blockade of nearby highways. Local law enforcement authorities have officially registered an FIR regarding the incidents and established a Special Investigation Team to thoroughly probe the matter.
Administration Response and Suspension of Classes
In contrast, the university administration initially dismissed the primary allegations as completely baseless rumors. However, in the wake of the subsequent violence and unrest, LPU announced the suspension of all regular classes for a duration of 10 days starting September 28, while mid-term examinations have been postponed until further notice. This entire controversy has once again pushed the prominent educational institution into the national spotlight. Consequently, many are left wondering about the origins of this massive university and the identity of the visionary behind its creation. The institution was founded by Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, who serves as the founding chancellor of LPU and is also a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. Yet, the story of LPU and its 30,000-plus students traces its humble beginnings not to a prestigious academy, but to a small sweet shop in Jalandhar.
Background and Early Beginnings
Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal hails from Jalandhar, Punjab, where he pursued his education by earning an LLB degree in law from Guru Nanand Dev University. In recognition of his contributions, he was later awarded an honorary doctorate from Atal Bihari Vajpayee University in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. Mittal's journey extends far beyond establishing just one university; it represents a generational evolution from family trade into sweets, automobiles, and eventually higher education. The business roots of the family date back to 1961, when his father, Baldev Raj Mittal, borrowed Rs 500 from a friend in Jalandhar to start a modest sweet shop named Lovely Sweets. During that era, thick motichoor laddoos were immensely popular across Punjab, prompting Baldev Raj Mittal to specialize in crafting them. These sweets gradually won local favor, fueling the growth of the business.
Expansion from Sweets to the Lovely Group
The family business placed strong emphasis on cleanliness and premium packaging, ensuring that sweets were kept covered and hygienic to build consumer trust. By 1969, Lovely Sweets had expanded to three outlets in Jalandhar, eventually growing into a network of over 10 retail sweet shops across the city and neighboring regions. The family subsequently ventured into the bakery sector, successfully transforming Lovely Sweets into the broader Lovely Group. After completing his law degree, Ashok Kumar Mittal joined the family enterprise to learn the nuances of trade from his father. However, his ambitions extended beyond traditional retail, prompting him into the automotive sector.
Overcoming Initial Rejection for Dealerships
An intriguing chapter in Mittal's entrepreneurial journey involves securing a dealership with Bajaj. According to his accounts, he applied for a Bajaj scooter dealership in 1991, which was initially rejected on the grounds that a family selling laddoos did not need it. However, when company officials visited Jalandhar and witnessed the family's business acumen firsthand, the decision was reversed, granting them the dealership. The family subsequently secured a Maruti dealership in 1996, further expanding the footprint of Lovely Autos.
Entering the Realm of Education in 1999
The most significant turning point in Ashok Mittal's career arrived when the family decided to contribute to society through education. In 1999, the International Institute of Management Studies was launched with accreditation from Punjab Technical University. According to official university timelines, the Lovely International Trust opened its first business and IT school in Phagwara in 2001, followed by engineering and pharmacy programs in 2002. Lovely Professional University was formally established in 2005 and received recognition from the University Grants Commission in 2006, marking the transition of a business family into the higher education sector.
A Vast Campus and Focus on Innovation
Spanning over 600 acres, the LPU campus accommodates students from over 50 countries and offers more than 200 professional programs across various disciplines. Official university profiles highlight an active student body exceeding 30,000 individuals, showcasing how a modest educational initiative blossomed into a major private university within two decades. Alongside professional academics, the institution places heavy emphasis on research and technological innovation.
