Udayan Kayande
Founder, OutBeyond • Mountaineer • Mentor
Born in 1959, Udayan Kayande grew up in a world of movement, diversity, and learning. Thanks to his father, an eminent mathematician and visiting professor in universities across the globe, Udayan studied at six schools across three continents before he was even a teenager. This early exposure to cultures, ideas, and constant adaptation shaped his worldview and his deep empathy for learning through experience.
As Head Boy of The Frank Anthony Public School, Bangalore, and a student activist during the Emergency, Udayan displayed early leadership and a strong social conscience. His choices were bold and value-driven, laying the foundation for the multifaceted leader he would become.
A Industrial Career
At just 18 years old, Udayan joined the manufacturing industry and rapidly rose through the ranks. His sharp technical mind and people-centric approach saw him managing teams and entire plants by the age of 25. He eventually became Unit Chief at Trident Powercraft (later part of Emerson Electric India), where he led over 235 employees and managed a turnover exceeding ₹20 crore.
His career in industry wasn’t just about business — it was about human potential, systems thinking, and problem-solving on both the shop floor and in the boardroom.
Reinvention and Purpose
At age 48, Udayan made a bold and inspiring transition from the industry to the world of grassroots development and education. Over the following years, he worked with MSMEs, agricultural cooperatives, and tribal communities. He consulted on bamboo and green building through Wondergrass, and offered his expertise to Médecins Sans Frontières in remote conflict-affected areas.
Udayan’s work has always been driven by one central idea: purpose over profit. His impact across sectors stands as testimony to this principle.
Mountains as Mentors
A mountaineer since 1975, Udayan trained at ABVIMAS, Manali, and remains passionate about trekking, nature, and outdoor leadership. He has used his training and love for the outdoors not just for recreation, but to shape learning environments that challenge, elevate, and transform individuals — especially young people.
He served as a guide and mentor for youth expeditions through Outward Bound Bharat, and later founded his own initiative: OutBeyond.
OutBeyond: A Vision in Action
In 2017, Udayan established OutBeyond — a pioneering initiative that provides school students and youth with Adventure-Based Learning Experiences (ABLE) in some of India’s most beautiful and remote locations. His programs focus on life skills, resilience, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.
Under his leadership, OutBeyond has empowered over 2,500 participants through transformative journeys in the Himalayas, Western Ghats, and coastal Karnataka. Udayan ensures that every camp blends safety with challenge, reflection with action, and learning with joy.
Mountaineering Certificate
Udayan’s lifelong dedication to education, youth development, and outdoor leadership has been deeply rooted in personal experience. In 1976, he completed the prestigious Basic Mountaineering Course at the Mountaineering Institute and Allied Sports in Manali, earning an “A” grade. He demonstrated excellence in snow, ice, and rock climbing techniques, reaching an altitude of 16,500 ft, and was recommended for the advanced course.
