Vignesh Velappan, a young visionary and social leader, has been honored with the prestigious GTH Alumni Excellency Award 2024. His journey with Glocal began when he was a finalist at GTH India 2022, where his innovative thinking and dedication to positive change were first recognized. Since then, his continued efforts have led to this significant honor, distinguishing him as the standout alumnus from Glocal’s global community.
The GTH Alumni Excellency Award is a unique recognition granted to one exceptional member from the worldwide alumni network. Along with this accolade, Vignesh received a cash prize of 50,000 NPR. This award celebrates not only his remarkable achievements but also his ongoing dedication to societal impact and the values fostered by the Glocal Teen Hero platform.
Vignesh’s transformative journey began in Oman, where he was born and raised, before moving to India in the 8th grade to further his education. His deep passion for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has driven him to lead various initiatives aimed at positive societal change. Now a student of Electronics and Communication Engineering at Sri Sairam Engineering College, Vignesh excels academically while maintaining a robust portfolio of extracurricular achievements.
A key highlight of his leadership journey is the Seyal Foundation, a youth-run organization founded by Vignesh, which has made notable strides under his guidance. In the past 18 months, the foundation has won six national titles, supported over 13,000 families since the COVID-19 pandemic, sponsored the education of 28 students, and managed 48 orphanages across India, providing care to homeless and mentally affected individuals.
In addition to his philanthropic efforts, Vignesh also serves as a state representative at the Global Youth Development Empowering Council (GYDEC), where he continues to inspire youth with his experiences. His work has positioned the Seyal Foundation as a leading youth-driven organization in India.
Vignesh is an accomplished speaker, having delivered five TED talks that have reached over 2,000 young people. His involvement in debates, motivational sessions, and Model United Nations conferences further showcases his commitment to leadership and advocacy.
The GTH Alumni Excellency Award 2024 is a recognition of Vignesh Velappan’s extraordinary contributions to youth empowerment and sustainable development. His journey serves as an inspiration to the global community, highlighting the profound impact of dedicated youth leadership.