VFS Global has been felicitated with the inaugural Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Leadership Award by Friends Union for Energising Lives (FUEL), in recognition of the organisation’s longstanding contribution and strategic partnership. The award was presented by the Chief Guest, Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, during FUEL’s 19th Foundation Day and Convocation Ceremony held in Pune.
Instituted by FUEL this year, the award is a tribute to the late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, whose vision inspired FUEL’s mission to empower 10 million youth across India.
Since 2020, the collaboration between VFS Global and FUEL has expanded through the VFS Global Future Skills Programme, which provides scholarships to deserving young people to pursue training in technology skills like AI, Java, etc., and via scholarships to young deserving women pursuing BBA degrees in India. Eight graduates from FUEL’s BBA programme are already employed at VFS Global’s Visa Application Centre in Pune.
Beyond India, VFS Global has extended its partnership with FUEL across Southeast Asia. In 2023, the organisations trained 250 young people in Jakarta through a career readiness programme, with an additional 200 currently undergoing training. A tourism skilling programme launched in Bali in 2024 successfully concluded earlier this year, training 200 youth and equipping them with practical industry knowledge and employability skills.
Nirbhik Goel, Chief Human Resources Officer, VFS Global:
“We are honoured to receive the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Leadership Award from Shri Nitin Gadkari ji and extend our gratitude to FUEL for their partnership. Through our Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, we remain committed to empowering young people with education, skill development, and entrepreneurial training that create long-term impact on their careers and economic progress. This recognition further strengthens our efforts to continue investing in community initiatives that foster inclusive growth globally.”
Dr Ketan Deshpande, Founder & CEO, FUEL:
“We are delighted to present the inaugural Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Leadership Award to VFS Global. Our collaboration has played a vital role in advancing youth empowerment and skilling, not only in India but also across Southeast Asia. By providing access to future skills, education, and entrepreneurial opportunities, together we are enabling young people to build sustainable careers and drive inclusive growth.”
