Reinforcing strong emphasis on industry aligned learning and experiential education, Lovely Professional University (LPU) continues to create an ecosystem where students move beyond classroom learning to become skilled professionals and job creators. Carrying this spirit forward, LPU alumni Pragati Gupta and Gurpreet Singh Ankhi, both graduates in Fine Arts, have established Sculpting Together Art Studio in Jalandhar, where they are not only executing large scale public art projects but also are also creating paid internship opportunities for current LPU students and emerging young artists.
The journey reflects the larger philosophy behind LPU’s EduRevolution and its unique ‘Earn Your Fee Back’ approach, which connects academics directly with practical exposure, live projects, and revenue generating opportunities. Through project based learning and industry linked assignments during their academic journey, the alumni developed technical expertise, conceptual understanding, and hands on experience that later helped them establish their own creative enterprise.
Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU stated, “The future of education lies in connecting learning with real world skills, innovation, and economic empowerment. Today’s youth do not just need degrees; they need opportunities to create impact, generate livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Through LPU’s EduRevolution, we are building an ecosystem where students become creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs even during their academic journey. This shift is essential for India’s future, where skill driven education will play a defining role in nation building.”
Sharing their professional journey, Pragati Gupta and Gurpreet Singh Ankhi said that after graduating from LPU’s Fine Arts program, they further expanded their industry exposure by working with leading art studios in New Delhi, where they contributed to monumental sculptures ranging from 20 to 30 feet. Working across diverse materials including fiberglass, stone, metal, and automobile scrap, they developed specialised expertise in large scale sculptural practices and sustainable public art.
They further shared that their contribution to landmark projects such as Shaheedi Park, Bharat Darshan Park, and Indian Heritage Park significantly enriched their experience in executing environmentally conscious installations using recycled materials and innovative design approaches. Building upon this experience, the alumni returned to Jalandhar to establish Sculpting Together Art Studio, which has since emerged as a recognised creative enterprise collaborating with municipal bodies on prominent urban development and beautification projects.
Their work across major city landmarks including Veer Babrik Chowk, Shri Guru Amardass Chowk, Shri Harivallabh Chowk, Samvidhan Chowk, and Shri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Chowk reflects an integrated design approach combining sculpture, landscaping, and civil aesthetics to transform public spaces. Expanding beyond Punjab, the studio has also undertaken projects in Bihar, including a monumental Shiva sculpture at Bans Ghat in Patna, along with large scale architectural entrance structures such as Moksh Dwar and Vaikunth Dwar.
Today, over 20+ students and young artists have gained practical industry exposure while simultaneously earning through professional assignments associated with the studio. The initiative highlights how skill driven and industry connected education can create economic opportunities even before graduation, while also demonstrating how universities can contribute towards entrepreneurship development, livelihood generation, and industry readiness through experiential learning ecosystems.