PK Gupta celebrates his 66th birthday today. Born on December 9, 1959 in Agra, he grew up in a family grounded in service and strong values. His grandfather (the late Mohan Lal Arya) was a respected freedom fighter in India’s independence movement. His father (AS Gupta) worked in the medicines trade and remained active in social causes throughout his life.
As a child, Gupta preferred the playground over textbooks. But everything changed when the principal of his school inspired him to study with purpose. That moment stayed with him, and it later shaped his belief that a teacher holds the power to transform a child’s future.
From Engineering Supplies To Education Idea – Early Steps Of PK Gupta
After completing his graduation from Victoria Engineering College, Gupta started his career as a contractor with HNT in 1979. Just a year later, he turned entrepreneur and began manufacturing and supplying engineering equipment to laboratories across India. His work took him from North India to South India, and soon he was travelling constantly to meet clients.
During these train and flight journeys, he noticed something striking. Many of his co-passengers were young students from North India, travelling long distances to pursue engineering education in the South. At the time, local opportunities were limited, and students had to leave home for quality technical education. That repeated observation planted the first seed of an idea – the need for better educational institutions closer to home.
In 1985, PK Gupta moved to Chennai, where his business network connected him to several educators and institutions. He visited many colleges that operated from small rented spaces with limited infrastructure. He also saw deep variations in teaching standards. Those visits strengthened his resolve. He wanted to build institutions that offered strong academics, real infrastructure and a nurturing environment.
PK Gupta Laid The Foundation With Sharda Education Trust
PK Gupta took a decisive step in 1995 when he established the Sharda Education Trust. Under this trust, he opened his first institution, the Hindustan Institute of Science & Technology, in 1996 in Agra. The goal was to offer quality technical education grounded in discipline and modern learning.
A year later (in 1997), he launched the Hindustan Institute of Management & Computer Studies. The expansion continued steadily. Soon, the group grew to include colleges in engineering, management, pharmacy, dental sciences, allied health and other fields. Gupta also introduced scholarships to support students from less privileged backgrounds, especially girls, to help them access higher education.
How His Global Vision Came True With Rise Of Sharda University
All these early institutions laid the base for a much bigger step. In 2009, the creation of Sharda University in Greater Noida marked the beginning of a new chapter. Gupta became its founding Chancellor. The university grew into a large, diverse, and global campus, drawing students from across India and many countries.
His vision extended beyond classrooms. The group also developed a multi-speciality hospital to support healthcare needs and community service. Over time, the Sharda ecosystem came to represent a blend of education, innovation and public welfare.
A Legacy Built On Vision And Values
PK Gupta’s journey from a young contractor to the Chancellor of Sharda University reflects the power of determination and clear thinking. He spotted gaps in India’s education system long before they became mainstream conversations. Instead of waiting for change, he built the change.
His life shows how vision, hard work and empathy can shape institutions that last for generations. On his 66th birthday, his story reminds us that a single idea (backed by courage and consistency) can impact thousands of students and transform entire communities.