Friends Union for Energising Lives (FUEL), a public charitable trust working in education, skill development and youth empowerment, will celebrate its 20th Foundation Day and hold its second Convocation Ceremony on October 24, 2026, at FUEL SkillTech University in Bhugaon, Pune.
Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Governor of Tamil Nadu, is scheduled to attend as the Chief Guest. The event will mark two decades of FUEL’s efforts to expand educational opportunities and improve employability among young people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
The ceremony will celebrate the graduation of FUEL’s Postgraduate Management Batch of 2024–26, along with students who have completed various corporate social responsibility (CSR)-supported certification courses. The occasion will also feature the proposed inauguration of FUEL SkillTech University, established under Maharashtra Act No. 23 of 2026 and approved by the Maharashtra government. The inauguration will depend on the availability of the dignitaries.
Founded in 2007, FUEL has reached around one million young people, provided education to 2.93 lakh students and awarded 2,907 scholarships. The organisation says more than 90% of its learners secure placements, while over 75% come from first-generation learner backgrounds. Through its education and skill development programmes, FUEL aims to help young people gain practical skills and access career opportunities, particularly those from underserved communities.
FUEL is also expanding its partnerships with industry and corporate organisations. It is working with the SBI Foundation to provide skill development opportunities to 2,000 young people, while Capgemini supports its Digital Academy on campus. The university is also developing Schools of Finance and Logistics in partnership with Indian corporates and inviting industry partners to collaborate on programmes in emerging technologies, green skills, artificial intelligence (AI) and entrepreneurship.
The organisation’s approach combines philanthropy, endowment support and its listing on the NSE Social Stock Exchange to help make education and skill development more accessible to students from underserved backgrounds. Its programmes seek to bridge the gap between education and employment by aligning learning with changing industry needs and creating pathways to jobs and entrepreneurship.
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.”
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. As FUEL enters its next phase, the organisation aims to strengthen skill-based higher education and prepare young people for emerging employment opportunities.
Event DetailsEvent: FUEL’s 20th Foundation Day and 2nd Convocation Ceremony
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM onwards
Venue: FUEL SkillTech University, Forest Trails Township, Paud Road, Bhugaon, Pune – 412115
Chief Guest: Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Governor of Tamil Nadu
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