The prestigious Prof. Yeshwantrao Kelkar Youth Award 2024 has been awarded to Deepesh Nair, Co-Founder of the Training and Educational Centre for Hearing Impaired (TEACH), for his remarkable contributions towards establishing an inclusive education ecosystem for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students in India. This annual award, jointly presented by Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Vidyarthi Nidhi Trust, recognises young leaders making significant strides in education, society, environment, and science.
The Professor Yeshwantrao Kelkar Youth Award was instituted in 1991 to commemorate the legacy of Prof. Kelkar, regarded as the architect of ABVP. Known for his vital role in expanding and strengthening ABVP, Prof. Kelkar made enduring contributions to its ideological and organisational framework. Through this award, ABVP and Vidyarthi Nidhi Trust aim to encourage and honor the work of young social entrepreneurs, while inspiring others to engage in meaningful social work. The award includes Rs 1,00,000, a certificate, and a memento.
Deepesh Nair’s vision and dedication have brought life to TEACH, an organisation he co-founded with Aman Sharma in 2016. TEACH’s mission is to bridge the gap in higher education access for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, facilitating their personal, professional, and social development. TEACH provides a comprehensive Holistic Development Model that extends beyond academics to offer a well-rounded education that supports students, families, educational institutions, and partners. The organisation has seen remarkable achievements, including 100 per cent pass rates in HSC and graduation exams, a 90 per cent job placement rate with an average starting salary of 2.8 LPA, a 40 per cent increase in enrollment for the 2023-24 financial year, and a 13 per cent average salary package rise.
Based in cities like Thane, Pune, and Delhi, TEACH has plans for further expansion into other leading cities across the country. Deepesh Nair, TEACH’s Chief Operating Officer, holds an MBA from KJ Somaiya Institute and brings over 12 years of corporate experience from companies like JP Morgan and Citi Bank. His journey into social entrepreneurship began with volunteer teaching in schools and non-profit organisations, which ignited his commitment to establishing an equitable educational environment for Deaf students.
TEACH’s work empowers Deaf students to lead successful, independent lives, breaking barriers to higher education and employment. With TEACH’s inclusive approach, students receive not only academic support but also career guidance and personal development tools. By engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including families, partners, and educational institutions, TEACH has cultivated a supportive ecosystem for its students.
The award selection committee, including ABVP National President Dr. Rajsharan Shahi, National General Secretary Yagyawalkya Shukla, National Organising Secretary Shri Ashish Chauhan, and Selection Committee Convener Prof. Milind Marathe, extended heartfelt congratulations to Deepesh Nair. They commended his dedication to social change and his transformative impact on the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, wishing him continued success in his mission to promote inclusive education in India.
