From coding to theatre, LPU student masters both worlds

Raj Roshan Rai of Lovely Professional University, Phagwara has emerged as a rare example of a student who has mastered two disciplines often considered worlds apart.

While pursuing his B.Tech and now an MBA, he has built a parallel career in the performing arts, earning national recognition for his work on stage. Rai entered LPU with ambitions firmly rooted in engineering, focusing on JavaScript, algorithms, and the growing fields of AI and Machine Learning.

His early years were defined by discipline and technical curiosity, shaping a clear academic path. But as he immersed himself in university life, he discovered an equally compelling direction in theatre, hosting, and public speaking — a shift driven not by logic but by emotional expression. What began as a small interest grew into a defining strength. Between classes, project deadlines, and lab work, Rai explored hosting, acting, singing, and theatre, finding confidence on stage that matched his proficiency in the classroom.

His growing presence soon led him to represent the university at major youth festivals and national platforms, including the Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad, where he addressed thousands of students as a young voice of clarity and conviction. Balancing a rigorous academic schedule with demanding rehearsals was challenging, but Rai’s commitment paid off.

His excellence in both academics and performing arts earned him a 100 per cent scholarship, an achievement that reflects the breadth of his contribution. Now pursuing an MBA at LPU, he continues to refine his leadership and communication skills while remaining active in cultural initiatives. Rai’s achievements in performing arts span multiple years and competitive levels.

He recently won a Silver Medal at Punjab State 2025, adding to a strong record. His performances have earned him gold in elocution, debate, and skit at Punjab State 2023, along with further recognition at the AIU North Zone and AIU National events from 2023 to 2024, where he secured medals in Play, Skit, and Mime. His results in Punjab State 2024 and North Zone 2024 further established his consistency across diverse categories.

Alongside his artistic pursuits, Rai has engaged with civic and social initiatives. He has interacted with state leadership as part of cultural delegations, delivered a keynote address before 3,000 students at the Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad, won the district Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament, participated in sustainability hackathons, registered as a stem cell donor, and taken part in student representation at the AIU Cultural Board.

Rai’s journey reflects a broader message for students navigating academic pressures and personal passions. His experience demonstrates that the paths of technology and art can coexist, creating a more complete and expressive identity.

From coding labs to theatre stages, he has captured both the precision of engineering and the emotional depth of performance, becoming a representative of LPU’s culture of holistic development and a young voice committed to blending intellect with creativity.