The ceremony marked nearly two decades of FUEL’s work in youth empowerment and the graduation of its PG (Management) Batch of 2024–26 and CSR-supported certification scholars.
Pune, October 26, 2026: Friends Union for Energising Lives (FUEL), a non-profit organization operating in the field of education, skill development and youth empowerment, celebrated the 20th Foundation Day and 2nd Convocation Ceremony at FUEL SkillTech University, Bhugaon, Pune. The Hon’ble Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Governor of Tamil Nadu, was the Chief Guest. The convocation ceremony was presided over by Dr. Ketan Deshpande, Founding Vice-Chancellor, FUEL SkillTech University (FSU) and Chairman, FUEL, in the presence of Smt. Sulabha Deshpande, Chancellor, FUEL SkillTech & Entrepreneurship University. The Guests of Honour were Shri Ganesh Mohan, Managing Director, Bajaj; Shri Pratyush Mehrotra of the SBI Foundation; and Shri Ranajagjitsinha Patil, Vice Chairman, MITRA.
Founded in 2007, FUEL has been striving to create equal access for education and skill development amongst youth from all socio-economic backgrounds for almost two decades now. The day celebrated the journey of FUEL thus far and the success of its students with the convocation of the PG (Management) Batch of 2024-26 and students of various CSR supported certification courses.
The Hon’ble Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Governor of Tamil Nadu, emphasized the significance of education and skill development for shaping India’s future stating that, “The FUEL model is a unique approach to education that integrates academic learning, practical skill development, industry collaboration and entrepreneurship. What FUEL is doing to prepare young people for the world of work is an example that educational institutions and every state in the country should consider adopting and adapting to their local needs. We must move beyond an education system that focuses only on degrees and employment, and encourage young people to develop the skills, confidence and entrepreneurial mindset to create opportunities for others. Our goal should be to create job givers, not just job seekers. By combining education with practical skills and entrepreneurship, FUEL is demonstrating how we can empower our youth to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to society and the nation’s progress.”
The event also featured the announcement of the inauguration of FUEL SkillTech University, Pune. Approved by the Government of Maharashtra and established under Maharashtra Act No. 23 of 2026, the University is dedicated to advancing skill-based, entrepreneurship-driven higher education.
The occasion came at a time of growing corporate partnership. FUEL is working with the SBI Foundation to skill 2,000 youth; with Capgemini, which supports FUEL’s Digital Academy on campus; and with Syngenta, which supports a Lab on campus. The University is launching Schools of Finance and Logistics in partnership with leading corporates, and has announced in-principle discussions with Allcargo for the same. It is also co-creating GCC-focused programmes in emerging technologies, green skills, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and entrepreneurship.
With India fast emerging as the world’s hub for Global Capability Centres (GCCs), FUEL is working closely with industry to build an employable, future-ready talent pipeline for the GCC ecosystem. Through its ‘Impact Hiring’ initiative, FUEL connects young, first-generation learners with corporates as loyal, trustworthy hires and co-creates integrated GCC and CSR programmes — ensuring that the next wave of skilled talent for India’s GCCs is drawn from every section of society.
On the occasion, FUEL extended an open invitation to corporates, foundations and philanthropists to co-create Schools and Centres of Excellence at FUEL SkillTech University. Industry partners can adopt a School, establish a Centre of Excellence, create an endowment, or sponsor deserving scholars — building enduring, named institutions in finance, logistics, emerging technologies, green skills, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and entrepreneurship. The model builds on the founding precedent of Padma Bhushan Dr. Yusuf Hamied, Chairman of Cipla, who has adopted the ‘Dr. Yusuf Hamied School of Science.’ Underpinning this work is FUEL’s philanthropy-and-endowment model, strengthened by its listing on the NSE Social Stock Exchange, which makes education and skilling affordable and accessible for students from underserved backgrounds.
The celebrations also featured a roundtable discussion bringing together the Hon’ble Governor, the Guests of Honour and senior corporate representatives — including Mr. Ganesh Mohan (Bajaj Finserv), Mr. Pratyush Mehrotra (SBI Life) Mr. Sridhar Sarathy (Tata Capital), Mr. Naresh Pinnisetti (Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals), Mr. Bhushan Pawar (Cognizant) and Dr. Pramod Pandey (Philips), among other industry leaders — on industry–academia collaboration, GCC talent pipelines and the co-creation of Schools and Centres of Excellence at the University.
Between 2007 and today, FUEL has benefited around 1 million young individuals, imparted education to 2.93 lakh students and provided 2,907 scholarships. With a 90% placement ratio and more than 75% of the students being first generation, FUEL is continuing to serve the deserving students of India.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Ketan Deshpande, Founding Vice-Chancellor of FUEL said that, “The 20th Foundation Day is an occasion to commemorate the journey of FUEL and the lives of many youngsters who have benefited from education, skills, and opportunities. The Convocation Ceremony is dedicated to the success of our graduating students and the people who have contributed towards their success throughout their journey. The establishment of FUEL SkillTech University has set us up for even better success in the future in the field of skill development, employability, and entrepreneurship. We invite industry to partner with us — to co-create Schools at the University and build, together, the skilled, enterprising talent that India’s GCCs and growing economy need.”
Mr. Shashi Kiran Shetty, Chairman of Allcargo Group, appreciated FUEL’s efforts in education and skill development and expressed his intention to sign an MoU with FUEL to establish a School of Logistics, strengthen industry–academia collaboration, and create greater opportunities for young people.
The programme was anchored by Dr. Prrachi Ahirao, and the vote of thanks was proposed by Ms. Mayuri Deshpande, Chief Operating Officer, FUEL.
As FUEL completes nearly two decades of work, the celebrations recognised its journey in youth development and marked the next phase of its efforts to strengthen skill-based education and expand opportunities for India’s young workforce.