All of us have talent. We must not wait for the right opportunity to do well. Instead, we must create opportunities for ourselves. Luck also plays a role in one’s success. However, it is hard work that can take people places – 50 children listened with awe as Formula One driver Narain Karthikeyan told them this mantra for success.

Narain made the evening memorable for children of ‘Aravanaikum Anbu Illam’. Jenneys Residency played host to this interactive session, organised as part of the eighth edition of Coimbatore Vizha. The Coimbatore boy answered all the questions thrown to him by the eager kids of the Illam, college students and general public.

“I was born in Coimbatore and I grew up in this city. However, when I was 14 years old, I left this vibrant city to pursue my career. I am very happy that I have had the opportunity to represent India in motor racing,” Narain said.

He went on to add that Coimbatore was a great city. But his work had kept him away from the city as he had spent a lot of time practising and participating in motor sport races.

One of the audience asked him how it felt while driving at such high speeds and racing. “While I participated in my first race in 1992, I was nervous. Even today, when I am racing I feel nervous. There is a lot of preparation that has to be done prior to any race. And at the race it is team work,” Narain said.

A member of Young Indian’s (Yi) Coimbatore Chapter asked him if the skills of a race driver had taken a back seat due to advancements in science and technology. But Narain denied this saying that any sport required the player and participant to possess the skill set to do well, regardless of the developments in science and technology.

The audience showed no signs of slowing down as question after question kept coming in a volley. However, Narain patiently answered all the questions. Danushkodi from Aravanaikum Anbu Illam asked Narain to list out the kinds of cars he had driven. With a smile Narain said that he had had the opportunity to drive cars that were 20 times faster than the ones that were driven on Indian roads. Narain also promised to take Danushkodi for a drive in a racing car some day.