Dr. Ketan Deshpande, the founder and chairman of Friends Union for Energising Lives (FUEL), has been awarded the prestigious Dr. BML Munjal Social Impact Award 2026 for his contribution to education and youth employability initiatives in India. The honour was presented under the category “Outstanding Effort Towards Promoting Education,” recognising his efforts to improve access to career guidance, skill development, and employment opportunities for students from underserved communities.
The award ceremony was held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi and brought together leaders from the education, corporate, and social sectors. The recognition is considered one of the prominent honours in the field of social impact and educational transformation. The award is associated with the legacy of Brijmohan Lall Munjal, founder of the Hero Group, who strongly believed in the role of education and workforce development in nation-building.
Founded by Dr. Deshpande, FUEL has worked extensively to bridge the gap between education and employability among Indian youth. The organisation focuses on helping students from economically weaker backgrounds gain access to scholarships, career counselling, vocational training, and job opportunities. Through partnerships with educational institutions, industries, and government bodies, FUEL has reportedly impacted thousands of students across multiple states in India.
According to reports, the Dr. BML Munjal Social Impact Awards recognise individuals and organisations that have made meaningful contributions in areas such as education, sustainability, women’s empowerment, biodiversity, teaching excellence, and community welfare. The initiative is hosted by Hero Future Energies in association with the Raman Kant Munjal Foundation.
Education experts say employability has become a major concern in India, especially among students from rural and semi-urban areas who often lack access to proper career guidance and industry exposure. Organisations like FUEL aim to address this challenge by creating pathways between education and employment through mentorship programmes, internships, and skill-based learning initiatives.
Speaking about the recognition, supporters and members of the organisation described the award as an acknowledgment of grassroots efforts in transforming lives through education. Social media posts from FUEL highlighted the achievement as an important milestone for the organisation and for the wider mission of inclusive education and youth empowerment in India.
The award also reflects the increasing importance being placed on skill development and career readiness in India’s education ecosystem. Industry leaders and policymakers have repeatedly emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between educational institutions and employers to ensure students are equipped with practical skills required in the job market.
Dr. Deshpande’s recognition comes at a time when several organisations are focusing on reducing the gap between academic learning and real-world employment opportunities. Experts believe initiatives promoting employability, digital literacy, and vocational education will continue to play a key role in strengthening India’s youth workforce and economic growth.
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