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 on Oct 26. 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 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 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.
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.
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.”
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.
