Seyal, the world’s first Tamil online learning community, along with Excel Group, a one-stop shop offering a wide range of services including shipping and logistics, jointly organised the SEYAL-EXCEL Awards 2026, honouring seven distinguished leaders for their longstanding dedication and contributions in their respective fields.

The award ceremony was held today at Hotel Le Meridien.

The awardees were Basu Shanker, Founder of Primal Patterns and coach to Indian cricketers; Rtn. Dr. Chinnadurai Abdullah, Correspondent of Syed Ammal Engineering College; Valluvan, a farmer from Pollachi; Er. G. Srinivasan, Founder of Srinivasan Associates Private Limited (SAPL); Noushad, Founder of Walkaroo; Marabin Mainthan Muthaiah, Founder-Editor of Namadhu Nambikkai; and Elangovan, Chairman of DNC Chits.

Muralikumar, Chairman of Chandramari Group, was presented with a special award.

Venkatesh, Founder of Seyal, delivered the welcome address, while the chief guest, Rtn. AKS. Er. Muruganandam, Vice President, RI 2026–27, Director, RI 2025–27, and Chairman of Excel Group of Companies, delivered the keynote address. They, along with other dignitaries, presented the awards to the recipients.

On the occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Seyal and Startup Singam was announced. The MoU was exchanged between Venkatesh and Balachandar, Co-Founder of Startup Singam, along with Arun Nair, CEO.

The event also featured two fireside chats. The first was with Indian international cricketer Natarajan and was moderated by Venkatesh.

The second featured Pandiarajan, Executive Chairman and Director of CielHR Group, and Hemalatha Rajan, Executive Director of CielHR, and was moderated by CA G. Karthikeyan, Founder of GKM Global Services.

During the discussions, the speakers shared their personal growth journeys, the challenges they overcame, and how their experiences helped shape their businesses and achieve their dreams.

The event was attended by several eminent personalities, including Vanitha Mohan, Managing Trustee of Siruthuli; Raju Balachandar, Managing Director of Haribhavaam; Suki Sivam, orator, writer and scholar; Aari, actor; and several business leaders.

The organisers will conduct a mega conclave, “Seyal Kanavu Meipada”, on June 27, 2026. The conclave will feature five eminent speakers: Manimekalai Mohan, Founder, Managing Trustee and Correspondent of SSVM Institutions; Suki Sivam, orator, writer and scholar; Gopinath Chandran, anchor and podcaster; Sumesh Govind, CEO and Culinary Curator of Paragon Group of Restaurants; and Thangam Moorthy, Correspondent of Sri Venkateshwara School and motivational speaker. The conclave will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Hotel Le Meridien.

At the event, Venkatesh announced that a book titled Connect 2 Conquer will be launched soon