Performance Car Section inaugurated by Minister

A new chapter in Coimbatore’s automotive heritage unfolded on Friday with the inauguration of the Performance Car Section at the Gedee Car Museum, celebrating the spirit of innovation and industrial excellence pioneered by G.D. Naidu, hailed as “India’s Edison.”
The inauguration ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the lamp by Ramin Salehkhou, Vice President, FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens); Gautam Sen, Advisor, FIVA; B.K. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar, Chairman, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Coimbatore; Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar, District Collector, Coimbatore; and G.D. Rajkumar, Trustee, G.D. Naidu Charities.
G.D. Rajkumar delivered the welcome address, followed by Gautam Sen, who introduced the FIVA Chief Guest and the Hall of Fame Award. Ms. Navaz Bhathena Sandhu explained the selection process followed by FIVA, C.S. Ananth introduced the awardee before the FIVA Hall of Fame Award 2025 was conferred upon G.D. Gopal, Managing Trustee, G.D. Naidu Charities.
In his acceptance speech, G.D. Gopal expressed gratitude to FIVA.
Architect Udhaya Vauhini introduced the new Performance Car Section, which was then formally inaugurated by Ramin Salehkhou, by unveiling the plaque.
In his felicitation address, B.K. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar highlighted the
historical stature of G.D. Naidu.
Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar praised the museum.
The event gained momentum as Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services of Tamil Nadu, felicitated veterans of Indian motorsports
Later, mementoes were presented by Trustees G.D. Rajkumar and Ms. Akila Shanmugam to the dignitaries. The project team Mr and Mrs. Cibi Veeramani (CULA Design Collaborative, Coimbatore), Arackal Sixtous Shanvin (Vinton Engineering, Kochi), and Amardeep M. Dugar (Lighting Research & Design, Chennai) were also honoured.
Group Captain M. Suresh Naidu, General Manager, Gedee Car Museum, proposed the vote of thanks.