Jalandhar, 09.06.25-: Lovely Professional University (LPU) had the distinguished honour of hosting the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, who chaired the Punjab Vice Chancellors’ and Directors’ Conference held on its campus. The prestigious gathering brought together academic leaders from government, private, and autonomous universities, colleges, and institutes across Punjab.

Addressing the academic leadership, the Hon’ble Governor lauded the role of educational institutions like LPU in shaping the future of India through innovative, inclusive, and impact-driven learning models. “It is heartening to witness institutions like LPU stepping forward with progressive vision and offering full fee-waiver scholarships to over 22 lakh defence and paramilitary forces personnel. This initiative is not just about education—it is a transformative tool for empowerment and national development,” said Shri Kataria.

He further urged academia to take up the mantle of addressing critical social issues such as drug addiction. “We must all come together-educators, students, families- to turn ‘Yudh Nashyan Virudh’ into a people’s movement. Education and awareness are the most powerful tools we have. With focused efforts, I am confident that we can build a Nasha Mukt Punjab within the next five years,” he emphasized.

The Hon’ble Governor appreciated LPU’s commitment to nation-building through education and innovation, and acknowledged its significant contributions as one of India’s leading multidisciplinary universities.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU, thanked the Hon’ble Governor for his inspiring presence and leadership. “We are honoured to have hosted such a meaningful dialogue on higher education in the presence of esteemed academic leaders. LPU is committed to not only academic excellence but also social responsibility,” said Dr. Mittal.

The conference featured focused sessions on the Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP), and open-house discussions aimed at strengthening policy alignment, academic excellence, and institutional collaboration in Punjab’s higher education landscape.

Also present at the event were Col. Dr. Rashmi Mittal (Pro Chancellor, LPU); Dr. Jaspal Singh Sandhu (Vice Chancellor, LPU); Prof. Pankaj Arora (Chairperson, NCTE); Mr. Vivek Pratap Singh, IAS (Principal Secretary to the Governor); Mr. Lalit Jain, IAS (Director, Census Operations); and Dr. Amit Kauts (Dean, Education, GNDU), Sarvesh Kaushal, Retd. IAS (Former Chief secretary), Girish Dayalan, IAS (Director General, School Education & Director higher education Punjab) among several other distinguished dignitaries, Vice Chancellors, bureaucrats, faculty members, and student representatives.

The conference concluded on a high note, reaffirming a shared commitment to educational reform, youth empowerment, and collaborative growth across Punjab’s academic institutions.

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