The Indian Chamber Of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) today in a function felicitated two Coimbatore-based Padma Shri awardees. Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai who currently serves as Director, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and social entrepreneur Arunachalam Muruganantham, who is also the founder of Jayaashree Industries, came under one roof this evening.

Chief Guest Dr. M. Manickam, while addressing the gathering, said, “Across the world, Coimbatore is known for its spirit of entrepreneurship. The city continues to produce successful entrepreneurs. We have with us today two people who have made Coimbatore proud. One is a scientist and the other is an innovator.”

Accepting the felicitation, Arunachalam Muruganantham said, “I’m very happy to be with the people from my city. I was not this happy when I was at Rashtarpati Bhawan earlier this year. Everywhere I go, people know me as someone from Coimbatore. I’m proud to be a Coimbatorean. And every award that I win gives me a feeling that it is not me but my city that has won the award.” He also emphasised on the fact that all must contribute something for the betterment of the country.

Seconding him was Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, who said, “Professionally, do not wait for others to give you an opportunity to grow. Instead, you must work hard and create opportunities for yourself and for others. This is how you will grow and this is how our nation will grow too.”