Hon’ble Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs Arun Jaitley reached Lovely Professional University today and inaugurated Start-Up School at LPU campus. He also inaugurated three-day International Day of Peace amid a rich cultural diversity of 30,000 LPU students from 29 Indian states & 50+ countries studying at the campus. Beating the drums (Nagare), Mr Jaitley unveiled the emblem of World Peace, with the globe on one side and pigeon, the symbol of peace, on the other side. LPU students presented a cultural variety of different Indian states and other nations to uphold the spirit of world peace all around. Before the start of the event, a two-minute silence was observed to pay homage to brave Indian soldiers martyred early this morning in a terrorist attack in Uri sector of J&K. Launching the Startup School Minister Jaitley & Governor of Punjab VP Singh Badnore rang the first bell of the first of its kind incubation center.
Addressing the students and staff members, Mr Jaitley talked about the startup environment and said: “I wish to see many ‘disrupter’ entrepreneurs from LPU.” He also invoked LPU students to adopt startups as this is the right age for them to lead the world. LPU has realized this and has come up with the prestigious school for the innovative students. Taking examples of California in the US, Japan, Taiwan and, South Korea, he informed how each one of these countries is advancing in technology and research and has grown rapidly by targeting the global market. Similarly, startups here in India have the potential to grow in the same way. Appreciating LPU as a big private university, Minister Jaitley affirmed that in times to come Indian private universities are sure to take a prominent place in the education sector, as happened in the US.
His Excellency Governor of Punjab & Chandigarh Administrator Mr Badnore presided over the celebratory occasion. Congratulating LPU Management for hard work and level of commitment, Mr Badnore said, “Reaching the present levels, LPU has become an example for many others in the field of education.” Bringing forward the example of Yale University of the US, he invoked university students to be innovative in their approach. He also appreciated LPU’s initiative of observing International Day of Peace when there is visible turmoil all-around. He also asked that LPU should also adopt time needed new courses like Conflict Resolution.
Many other high-profile guests including Minister of State for Social Justice, Shri Vijay Sampla; MP Rajya Sabha Shri Shweta Malik; Editor-in-Chief, Ajit Group of Publications, Dr Barjinder Singh Hamdard; MLA Shri Som Prakash, Lovely Group Chairman Mr Ramesh Mittal; Vice Chairman Mr Naresh Mittal; LPU Chancellor Mr Ashok Mittal; Pro-Chancellor Mrs Rashmi Mittal; Additional General Secretary Mr MP Singh and many other distinguished guests & administrative officers also graced the occasion.
Minister Sampla praised LPU for amazing development works done and praised Minister Jaitley for taking Indian economy on a fast lane and hoped that GDP will grow up to double-figure very soon. Addressing Mr Jaitley as Father of Economic Revolution in India, MP Malik also appreciated LPU for its illustrious contribution made in the education sector. Presenting vote of thanks, Dr Hamdard referred Minister Jaitley as the most successful Finance Minister of the country & an intellectual politician. He advised that LPU should take advice from Mr Jaitley in furthering PM Modi’s vision of Startups.
Prior to this, welcoming the Union Finance Minister and all other elite guests at the campus, LPU Chancellor Mr Ashok Mittal lauded how like a true entrepreneur Mr Jaitley got GST Bill passed unopposed, the bill which is one of the most integral parts of Indian economy. He also shared that Minister did a lot for the education system. Apprising all about vision and mission of the Startup School, Mr Mittal informed: “We are lucky that the Finance Minister, whose office empowers businesses in the country, has flagged off our Startup school. Our primary mission is to ensure that no startup idea stays just an idea. While working for LPU students, LPU will also be building a community for the larger Punjab by working closely with the local entrepreneurs. Our goal is that every year, at least, 500 startups are launched, 100 are funded and 10 of them make it to the series ‘A’ level. For this, LPU startup school will be providing mentorship through industry experts and academicians related to the fields.
