Post

Hon’ble Shri Rajendra Arlekar to Grace FUEL’s 20th Foundation Day & 2nd Convocation on October 24 in Pune The occasion will mark nearly two decades of FUEL’s work in youth empowerment, alongside the graduation of its PG (Management) Batch of 2024–26 and the proposed inauguration of FUEL SkillTech & Entrepreneurship University. Pune, 21st October, 2026: Friends Union for Energising Lives (FUEL), a public charitable trust active in education, skill development and youth empowerment, is planning its 20th Foundation Day and 2nd Convocation Ceremony on October 24, 2026, at FUEL SkillTech University, Bhugaon, Pune. Hon’ble Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Governor of Tamil Nadu, will be honoured as the Chief Guest. This event will be a significant milestone in the journey of FUEL, which was founded in 2007, recognising its endeavour of bringing education and enhancing the employability of young people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. It will mark the graduation of the PG (Management) Batch of 2024–26 and students of other CSR-supported certification courses. The event will also be the announcement for the inauguration of FUEL SkillTech University, Pune. Approved by the Government of Maharashtra and established under Maharashtra Act No. 23 of 2026, the University’s inauguration is subject to the availability of the dignitaries. The occasion also comes at a time of growing corporate partnership. FUEL is working with the SBI Foundation to skill 2,000 youth, and with Capgemini, which supports FUEL’s Digital Academy on campus. The University is launching Schools of Finance and Logistics in partnership with leading Indian corporates, and is inviting expressions of interest from industry to co-create Schools and programmes in emerging technologies, green skills, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and entrepreneurship. Underpinning this work is FUEL’s distinctive philanthropy-and-endowment model, strengthened by its listing on the NSE Social Stock Exchange — which together make its model of education and skilling affordable and accessible for students from underserved backgrounds. Between 2007 and today, FUEL has benefited around 1 million young individuals, imparted education to 2.93 lakh students and provided 2,907 scholarships. Through its various programmes, the organisation has sought to build a bridge between education and employment, ensuring that young people gain access to educational opportunities and the skills needed in a changing job market. With over 90% placements and more than 75% of its learners being first-generation, FUEL continues to reach some of the most deserving and underserved students across India. The Foundation Day and Convocation will bring together graduating students, educators, industry representatives and other stakeholders to recognise the role of education and skill development in expanding career opportunities. For many students, particularly those from underserved backgrounds and first-generation learner communities, access to quality education and employability training can play an important role in shaping their professional journeys. The celebrations will also highlight the growing importance of aligning education with industry requirements, equipping students with practical skills and creating pathways to employment and entrepreneurship. As India continues to navigate changes in its employment landscape, initiatives that connect education with emerging opportunities remain essential to preparing young people for the future. Speaking ahead of the occasion, Dr. Ketan Deshpande, Chairman and Vice Chancellor of FUEL SkillTech University, said, “The 20th Foundation Day is an opportunity to reflect on FUEL’s journey and the young people whose lives have been shaped by access to education, skills and opportunities. The Convocation celebrates the achievements of our graduating students and the efforts of everyone who has supported them along the way. With the establishment of FUEL SkillTech University, we look forward to further strengthening our work in skill development, employability and entrepreneurship, while creating more opportunities for young people to build meaningful careers.” As FUEL completes nearly two decades of work, the celebrations will recognise its journey in youth development and mark the next phase of its efforts to strengthen skill-based education and expand opportunities for India’s young workforce.