Born on September 10, 1964, in Punjab, India, Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal pursued his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. Recognizing his significant contributions to academia, he was conferred with an honorary Doctorate (h.c.) by Atal Bihari Vajpayee University, Chhattisgarh, in 2022.
Dr. Mittal's entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on. In the 1980s, he joined his family's sweets business, Lovely Sweets, in Jalandhar. Recognizing opportunities for diversification, he ventured into the automobile sector, establishing dealerships with Bajaj in 1991 and Maruti in 1996.
Driven by a vision to transform education, Dr. Mittal founded Lovely Professional University (LPU) in 2005. Under his leadership, LPU has evolved into one of India's largest single-campus universities, hosting over 40,000 students from across the globe.
Key achievements and initiatives under his guidance include:
In 2022, Dr. Mittal entered public service as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, representing Punjab under the Aam Aadmi Party. His parliamentary contributions include:
His focus areas encompass education reform, rural development, unemployment, and healthcare.
He continues to play a proactive role in shaping India’s legislative landscape and advocating for people-centric policies. His recent appointments and contributions reflect a deep commitment to national service, policy development, and global engagement.
Dr. Mittal has consistently raised grassroots issues in Parliament, with a focus on:
As a futurist leader, Dr. Mittal continues to drive transformative changes in education and society. His ethical leadership and visionary thinking aim to create lasting impacts, ensuring that quality education and societal development go hand in hand.
Appointed as a member of the All-Party Delegation to strengthen India’s voice on the global stage
Contributed to strengthen India’s voice globally and standing firmly for the safety and dignity of Indian citizens.
Appointed as a Member of the Court at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
Committed to contributing towards academic excellence, institutional transparency, and nation-building.
Appointed to Council of Schools of Planning and Architecture
Became a part of the national advisory body guiding architectural education and urban development planning.
Joined the Committee on Finance
Continued shaping economic policy as a key member of the parliamentary Finance Committee.
Appointed Member, ICT Committee in Rajya Sabha
Took on a key role in shaping digital policy and advancing technology governance through the Information and Communication Technology Committee.
NAAC A++ Accreditation
Under his visionary leadership, LPU attained the highest grade awarded by NAAC with a score of 3.68 on a 4-point scale.
Appointed to MPLADS Committee
Took on a role to channel developmental funds towards constituency needs as part of the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme.
Arjuna Award Won by Student Athlete
LPU student and national kho-kho captain Nasreen Shaikh received the prestigious Arjuna Award. Her achievement stands as a testament to the robust sports ecosystem and support cultivated under his leadership.
Achieved Research and Patent Breakthroughs at LPU
Directed research efforts at Lovely Professional University that resulted in 58 Indian and 27 international patents and more than 14,000 research papers.
Drove Innovation Recognition
Under his leadership, LPU was named among India’s top 25 institutions for innovation and entrepreneurship by the Ministry of Education (formerly known as the Ministry of Human Resource Development – MHRD).
Became Member of the Committee on External Affairs
Contributed to India’s strategic and diplomatic direction through active involvement in this key parliamentary committee.
Introduced the Shopkeepers Welfare Bill
Proposed a Private Member Bill aimed at ensuring economic support for India’s small business sector.
Elected to the Rajya Sabha
Began a new chapter in national service, representing Punjab in the Upper House of Parliament.
Supported Sporting Excellence at Asian Games
40 student athletes trained under institutional support secured 22 medals, reinforcing his commitment to youth and sports development.
Steered LPU Athletes to Historic Olympic Triumph
Guided by his vision for sports excellence, 11 LPU athletes competed at the Tokyo Olympics, bringing home 9 medals — including India’s first-ever Olympic gold in athletics by Neeraj Chopra — a moment of immense national pride.
Hosted the 106th Indian Science Congress
Under his leadership, LPU hosted this nationally prestigious event inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, affirming its position in scientific innovation.
Enhanced Academic Alliances
Facilitated LPU’s entry into the Association of Indian Universities, furthering its institutional reputation under his guidance.
Launched Open and Distance Learning Programs at LPU
Introduced UGC-approved open and distance learning programs at Lovely Professional University to expand access to education across India, especially in underserved regions.
Achieved UGC Recognition for LPU
Under his leadership, LPU earned accreditation from the University Grants Commission, validating its academic and structural credibility.
Founded Lovely Professional University (LPU)
From sweets to degrees — after an initial foray through an affiliated academic venture, he took a bold leap by founding LPU as an independent institution. It has since grown into one of India’s largest private universities, redefining ambition in education.
Forayed into the Education Sector with a Bold Vision
Marking a transformative leap from business to academia, he established the International Institute of Management under Punjab Technical University (PTU), laying the cornerstone for a future rooted in educational excellence and purpose-driven leadership.
Forged Strategic Alliance with Maruti Suzuki
In a major breakthrough, he brought the Maruti Suzuki dealership into the group’s fold. This landmark expansion elevated the group’s stature in the automobile sector and cemented its reputation as a dynamic force in Jalandhar’s business landscape.
Pioneered Entry into the Automobile Sector
Demonstrating sharp business acumen, he led the strategic expansion into the automobile sector by securing the coveted Bajaj dealership. This milestone marked a turning point in the group’s growth trajectory and firmly established its presence in a new and competitive industry.
Joined Family Business
Marked the beginning of his professional journey as he joined the family’s thriving sweets business, contributing to its expansion and modern business practices.
Expanded Lovely Sweets into Jalandhar City
A key milestone as the brand entered the heart of the city, winning hearts through quality and consistency.
Laid the Foundation of Lovely Sweets
The family’s entrepreneurial journey began with the establishment of Lovely Sweets, near Jalandhar, setting the tone for a legacy of business excellence.
