Narain Karthikeyan felicitated for Padma Shri award

COIMBATORE - Formula One driver Narain Karthikeyan was felicitated here on Tuesday by Young Indians, a group created by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) to offer a platform to young Indians, for having received the coveted Padma Shri award.

On this occasion, Karthikeyan said: “This year is pretty busy. There are 25 races across the world, mainly Europe and America. I am really happy to be living my dream. I am living my dream, for sure,” said Karthikeyan.

“Without the help of my families, my sponsors, especially the Tata group, Bharat Petroleum, Amaron and others, and recently MRF, this journey would have been impossible. It would have been impossible for me to be where I am today,” he added.

Karthikeyan said he was positive and looks forward to grab a chance to race in the Indian Grand Prix that is to be held in 2011.

Karthikeyan, who was recently honoured with the fourth highest civilian award of India, thanked the Central Government for such an honour and for giving recognition to motor sports in India.

The Formula One driver Karthikeyan, further said, that his ambitions have not gone down.

“I worked very hard to get up to this point. I would definitely like one more crack at Formula One 2011 being an inaugural ground in India. It would be really nice if I get to drive,” said Karthikeyan.

At the event, he released the logo of Young Indians and also gave away awards to some young industrialists. (ANI)