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For the past 18 years, Dr Deshpande has been working extensively for young people, especially first-generation learners and underserved communities. His mission goes beyond providing education, focusing instead on connecting youth with employability, future skills and self-reliance.
Journey from Small Towns to a National Movement
Born in Latur, Maharashtra, Dr Ketan Deshpande completed his schooling in cities such as Parbhani, Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar), and Bhusawal. Experiencing the lack of career guidance and educational opportunities in smaller towns helped him deeply understand the challenges faced by students from non-urban backgrounds.
Inspired by these experiences, he founded FUEL in 2007. What began as a small initiative gradually evolved into a nationally recognised organisation dedicated to providing education support, career guidance and skill training to young people across India.
FUEL Has Reached More Than One Million Youth
FUEL has supported over one million young people across the country through career counselling, skills training, scholarships and employment-linked education programmes. The organisation has introduced digital learning, vocational training and industry-oriented programmes aimed at preparing students for future job markets.
Additionally, FUEL has trained more than 2.9 lakh youth in future-ready and vocational skills while awarding over 2,900 scholarships to students from economically weaker backgrounds.
Focus on AI, Big Data and Cloud Computing
Dr Deshpande believes that traditional education alone will not be enough in the future. According to him, students must also be equipped with modern skills such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, cloud computing and digital technologies.
He strongly advocates “future-ready education,” where even youth from rural and underserved regions can gain access to advanced technology education and become employable in a rapidly changing global economy. He believes that if India’s large youth population receives the right direction and modern skills, the country can become a global talent hub.
Strong Emphasis on CSR and Social Impact
Dr Deshpande holds a PhD in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and works extensively on CSR impact measurement, Social Return on Investment (SROI), and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-aligned strategies.
FUEL has collaborated with more than 78 companies and institutions, including HDFC Bank, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, SBI, Microsoft, Shell, Cipla, Tata Trusts and NASSCOM Foundation. Through these partnerships, the organisation has mobilised more than USD 24 million for social impact initiatives.
These projects support career guidance, scholarships, digital learning, employment support and industry-aligned training programmes for students and youth.
Growing Recognition at the International Level
FUEL’s impact is not limited to India. The organisation has expanded its presence through collaborations and programmes in countries such as Indonesia, Uganda and Poland. Partnerships with multilateral organisations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have enabled FUEL to understand global education and skilling models and adapt them to Indian needs.
Encouraging Youth to “Chase Purpose, Not Just Jobs”
Dr Deshpande encourages young people to think beyond simply getting a job and instead pursue purpose-driven careers. He often speaks about concepts such as “Management by Leadership & Vision” and “The Heartfulness Way to Leadership,” which emphasise compassion, inclusiveness, ethics and social responsibility as essential leadership qualities.
According to him, when young people connect their careers with social development, they can create long-term positive change in society.
Future Vision: FUEL SkillTech & Entrepreneurship University
Dr Ketan Deshpande is currently working towards establishing the proposed FUEL SkillTech & Entrepreneurship University. The vision behind this initiative is to integrate future skills, entrepreneurship, industry collaboration and social responsibility into a unified employment-linked education model.
The university is expected to offer programmes ranging from certificate courses to postgraduate degrees in areas such as Future Skills, Digital Technology, Management, Science, Commerce and Humanities.
The Government of Maharashtra has already issued a Letter of Intent for the initiative. The university is being envisioned as India’s first institution focused specifically on future skills and first-generation learners.
