The Beginning

Late Dr. Akhilesh Das Gupta​
Former Union Minister, Govt. of India
3-term Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)
Mayor, Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh)

Late Dr. Akhilesh Das Gupta was a renowned academician, Indian politician, and sports administrator. Over a distinguished public career spanning more than three decades, he became one of Lucknow’s youngest mayors in 1993. He later served three consecutive terms as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. As Union Minister of Steel, Dr. Gupta played a pivotal role in advancing India’s steel industry.

A passionate sports enthusiast, Dr. Gupta played a key role in advancing sports in India. As Chairman of the Badminton Association of India, he significantly contributed to raising the profile of badminton nationwide. His dedication to sports extended to his tenure as President of the U.P. Olympic Association, where he led initiatives to develop and promote Olympic sports both in Uttar Pradesh and across the country.

One of Dr. Gupta’s most enduring legacies lies in the field of education. He established the Babu Banarasi Das Educational Group, which encompasses BBD University in Lucknow, a premier institution in Uttar Pradesh, and the Akhilesh Das Gupta Institute of Professional Studies (ADGIPS) in New Delhi. Driven by a vision to provide world-class education and foster excellence in higher learning, his efforts have resulted in a thriving academic community. Today, with a network of over 100,000 alumni, the BBD Educational Group stands as a hub for academic innovation, offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.

Through their diverse contributions, Dr. Gupta and his wife, Mrs. Alka Das Gupta, created lasting opportunities for excellence in education, sports, and governance. Their impactful legacy continues to inspire and will resonate with future generations.