Suparjya Swain 
BHUBANWSWAR: In the landscape of Indian education and public service, few names resonate as powerfully as that of Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal. A distinguished Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha and the Founder Chancellor of Lovely Professional University (LPU), Dr. Mittal has consistently championed the cause of education, societal welfare, and ethical leadership. His life’s work reflects a profound belief in the power of humanity and the transformative potential of education, underscored by his guiding principle: “Paying back more than what we are paid for.”
Born and raised in Jalandhar, Punjab, Dr. Mittal’s academic journey began with a law degree from Guru Nanak Dev University. His pursuit of excellence was further recognized by an honorary Doctorate ‘Honoris Causa’ from Atal Bihari Vajpayee University (ABVU) in Chhattisgarh.
In 2005, Dr. Mittal founded Lovely Professional University, a monumental step in his mission to reshape the educational landscape of India. Under his leadership, LPU rapidly grew into one of the country’s largest single-campus universities, boasting a diverse student body of over 35,000 individuals from every state in India and 50 countries worldwide.
LPU’s accolades are numerous and varied. The institution has received the prestigious NAAC grade A++ with a score of 3.68 on a 4-point scale and has consistently ranked among the top universities in India by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
What truly sets Dr. Mittal apart is his commitment to making quality education accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic status or geographic location. Recognizing the barriers that often prevent individuals from pursuing higher education, he pioneered the Distance and Online Education system at LPU. This initiative has enabled countless lifelong learners, including working professionals, to pursue their academic goals without compromising their personal or professional commitments. Remarkably, a significant percentage of these students come from rural areas and underrepresented communities.
His leadership has also seen the implementation of one of India’s most extensive private scholarship programs, disbursing over ₹100 crores annually to deserving students. This initiative extends beyond financial aid, offering 100% scholarships to students impacted by spinal cord injuries and supporting numerous NGOs through laptop distributions, in collaboration with Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK.
Dr. Mittal’s influence extends beyond the realm of education into the corridors of power in India’s Parliament. Elected to the Rajya Sabha in March 2022 as a member of the Aam Aadmi Party, he has quickly established himself as a thoughtful and engaged legislator.
One of his most notable legislative efforts includes advocating for the Shopkeepers Welfare Bill, which aims to support small businesses—a cornerstone of India’s economy. Additionally, his role in the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2022, further underscores his commitment to enhancing the quality and accessibility of higher education across the country.
Dr. Mittal’s public service is also deeply rooted in community outreach. His initiatives in Punjab, including the adoption of villages for infrastructure modernization and youth training through the ‘Saathi’ project, demonstrate his dedication to economic transformation at the grassroots level.
Recognizing the integral role of sports in holistic education, Dr. Mittal has significantly enhanced LPU’s sports infrastructure, bringing it up to international standards. Under his leadership, the university has recruited over 50 experienced coaches with international sports backgrounds, established world-class facilities.
One of the most significant milestones under Dr. Mittal’s leadership was LPU’s hosting of the 106th Indian Science Congress in 2019, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event, which introduced the slogan “Jai Anusandhan,”.
Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal’s journey is one of inspiration, marked by a steadfast commitment to transforming education and society. His leadership philosophy, rooted in the belief that true leadership is about making a positive and lasting impact, continues to resonate in every aspect of his work. Whether through his efforts in Parliament, his pioneering work at LPU, or his community service initiatives, Dr. Mittal has set a high standard for leaders in both academia and public service.
