In the wake of devastating flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border that have claimed hundreds of lives and left thousands missing, Lovely Professional University (LPU) has taken a decisive stand to support its Nepali student community and their families back home. With Nepali authorities reporting that the death toll has risen to at least 675 people and nearly 2,500 individuals remain unaccounted for, the university has mobilized both its leadership and student body to offer immediate, tangible assistance.
At a specially convened gathering on campus, senior university officials personally connected with Nepali students to offer emotional support and practical help. Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU, alongside Col. Dr. Rashmi Mittal, Pro Chancellor, and Dr. Aman Mittal, Vice President, spent hours listening directly to students’ concerns and personal stories. Many Nepali students at LPU—home to one of India’s most significant Nepali student populations—have been anxiously awaiting news of loved ones affected by what aid workers have described as a “tsunami-like” disaster caused by a glacial collapse.
“The anguish our Nepali students are experiencing is profoundly personal,” stated Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal during the meeting. “When students travel far from home to pursue their education, our institution becomes their extended family. In this moment of crisis, we must embody that familial responsibility completely.”
Recognizing that many affected families face immediate financial strain on top of emotional trauma, LPU’s National Service Scheme (NSS) has organized a comprehensive seven-day relief collection camp, commencing next week. The initiative invites monetary contributions from across the LPU community—students, faculty, staff, alumni, and well-wishers—to create a substantial relief fund. University officials have confirmed that LPU will match a significant portion of the collected funds, amplifying the community’s collective impact.
The relief drive serves a dual purpose: providing critical financial resources for humanitarian aid while fostering a powerful sense of solidarity on campus. Donation points will be established across multiple university locations, with digital payment options available for remote contributors. All collected funds will be channeled through established, reputable aid organizations operating in Nepal, with transparent tracking mechanisms to ensure resources reach those most severely affected.
For LPU, this initiative reflects a fundamental institutional philosophy that extends beyond academic instruction. With one of India’s most internationally diverse student bodies, including substantial representation from Nepal, the university recognizes that its duty encompasses the holistic wellbeing of every student—especially during periods when their home communities face extraordinary hardship.
“The support extends beyond a financial transaction,” explained Col. Dr. Rashmi Mittal. “It’s about ensuring our Nepali students know they are not alone, that their university community stands with them, and that we will navigate this difficult chapter together.”
The ongoing crisis in Nepal—where rescue operations continue amid warnings of a newly formed, overflowing lake that could trigger further flooding—has prompted international relief efforts from numerous nations. LPU’s targeted response complements these broader humanitarian initiatives while addressing the specific needs of its own student community members who maintain deep connections to the affected regions.
University officials have also established dedicated counseling services and a special helpline for Nepali students requiring additional support during this period. The message from LPU leadership is unequivocal: in times of crisis, the university transforms from an educational institution into a supportive community committed to the welfare of every member, regardless of nationality or background.
