On this special day of national pride, as we celebrate the hard-earned freedom of our nation, it’s worth remembering that freedom is not just about the absence of external control—it’s also about the power to define our own limits. True independence is when the human spirit refuses to be caged by circumstance. Few stories embody this truth as powerfully as that of Chetan Korada—Internationally acclaimed motorsport racer and QNET brand ambassador.
Born with a congenital deformity that led to a bilateral amputation, Chetan could have been told—by society, by circumstance, even by himself—that certain dreams were not meant for him. Instead, he chose the racetrack, a place where every split-second counts and no concession is given. In 2009, he made history as the world’s first racing driver to win a competitive race using synthetic feet, proving that grit can outpace any limitation. Today, Chetan is not just a motorsport champion, but a voice for inclusion, accessibility, and possibility. With QNET by his side as a committed partner, he continues to challenge perceptions, inspire differently abled youth, and champion a world where passion—not physical ability—determines how far you can go.
This Independence Day, TheCSRUniverse celebrates Chetan’s journey as a reminder that the truest form of freedom is the courage to be exactly who you are, and to race—fearlessly—towards the life you’ve always dreamed of.
Read on as Chetan shares his remarkable journey, the challenges he’s overcome, and how he’s driving change for a more inclusive future.
Q. Your story is one of exceptional grit and resilience. Can you take us back to the beginning—what inspired you to pursue racing despite the physical challenges you faced?
A: From as early as I can remember, cars were everything to me. As a child born with a congenital deformity that led to a bilateral amputation, I experienced sport much like any kid, playing cricket, basketball, and even DJing, but the call of racing came later, around 2006–07, when I first hopped into a Formula-LGB Swift during a track day in Chennai. Despite worries, my prosthetic legs fit, and the cockpit felt like home by the end of the session; I didn’t want to get out of the car.
I took inspiration from legends like Alex Zanardi—a bilateral amputee who raced again at the very highest levels—and from actor and racer Ajith, whose passion and grit fired up my own ambitions. My mother and teachers encouraged my love for speed, and I soon realized that racing became my answer to every doubt ever cast upon me. It became the space where I could be limitless.
Q. Winning a competitive race using synthetic feet was a historic milestone. What did that moment mean to you personally and professionally?
A: Winning my first-ever competitive race in 2009 at the LGB Formula 4 race in Coimbatore, and standing on the podium as the first-ever driver in the world with synthetic feet to do so, was more than just a personal victory; it was history in motion. Winning that race was historic; not only was I the first person in the world to win a race driving with synthetic feet, but I was also the first in Asia after Alex Zanardi to compete at that level with prosthetics. It was proof that I belonged in motorsport on equal footing, literally. Personally, it reaffirmed my belief that disability does not equate to inability. Professionally, it validated everything I’d worked toward: competing without any special car modifications, on the same terms as everyone else, and pushing myself to excel within fair competition.
Q. Many differently abled individuals often face societal and systemic barriers. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
A: The road wasn’t easy. As a child I cycled through painful prosthetics, often bleeding before adjustments made them bearable. Social and systemic barriers meant I had to be tougher, whether in school playing sports or later in a world built for fully abled physiques. I made a choice early on: to never treat my prosthetics as a handicap but as motivation. I focused on physical fitness, endurance, and mental strength. I mastered race dynamics, tire management, wet-weather handling, and technical finesse. I made my “limitation” my motivation.
Racing demands precise pedal feel, which is why I avoided spring-loaded limbs and opted for carbon-fiber prosthetics that gave me direct feedback, just like any other driver. That discipline and mindset let me compete without modifications and overcome expectations every step of the way.
Q. You now serve as an inspiration to many young people navigating physical challenges. What message would you like to share with them about believing in themselves and following their passions—even in spaces where they may not always feel represented?
A: My message is clear: different doesn’t mean disabled. Society may not always offer representation, but that doesn’t mean you’re not meant to shine. If your passion calls you to places where others doubt you, keep going; they only see limitations, but you see possibilities. Be relentless in your pursuit, build your physical and mental resilience, and lean on those who believe in you, even if that’s just one person who refuses to treat you differently.
Surround yourself with believers, then become your own biggest believer. Your grit will carry you further than any head start ever could.
Q. How do you see the role of sports in changing public perceptions about disability and inclusion? Can sport truly be a force for social transformation?
A: Absolutely. Sport breaks barriers in ways few other platforms can. When people see a para-athlete racing wheel to wheel, they’re forced to confront their assumptions. Competition humanizes us, and success shows that ability isn’t defined by bodies. Over time, these narratives reshape cultural perceptions. I believe motorsports and sport in general can play a transformative role in building a more inclusive society by spotlighting capability over limitation.
Thanks to partners like QNET, who believed in my mission early on, I’ve been able to share my story with greater reach and purpose.
Q. Storytelling is often a powerful tool in breaking stereotypes. How has sharing your journey publicly helped you and those around you? What platforms or tools have you found most effective in engaging with others?
A: Storytelling, to me, is more than just sharing events; it's about changing perspectives. Every time I speak, whether on TEDx stages, in classrooms, or through my platforms online, I’m not just recounting my journey. I’m taking people behind the scenes into the unseen layers: the struggles I faced, the doubts I had, and the courage it took to keep moving forward.
What I've learned is that stories can dismantle stereotypes. They help people shift from seeing disability as a limitation to recognizing it as a different kind of strength. And that’s the core reason I continue to share, not for applause, but to build empathy, to inspire belief, and to show others what’s possible when you refuse to be defined by your circumstances.
Social media has been a powerful tool in this mission. It allows me to connect directly and authentically with a global audience. By consistently showing up, sharing real moments, and staying true to my values, I’ve seen how storytelling can become a quiet revolution, changing one mind, one life at a time.
I had a great interaction with renowned sports commentator Manish Batavia through the powerful means of YouTube—my mother manifested her differently abled son to be somebody.
You can follow more of my journey and insights on @chetankorada.racing and @qnet.india or explore my blogs and features at qnet-india.in. These platforms aren’t just about racing—they’re about resilience, representation, and the road to inclusion.
Q. QNET has supported you as someone who challenges conventional norms in sport. Can you share how this partnership has helped you in your journey—both on and off the track—and how such collaborations can inspire greater inclusion in sport and society?
A: QNET has been more than a sponsor; they’ve been partners in purpose. Since 2011, they’ve stood beside me, not just because of the races I win, but because of the barriers I break.
That trust gave me space to grow—financially, mentally, and public-profile-wise.
They helped fund training, overseas testing (like the Formula Masters program in Malaysia), and participation in international series like Formula 4 and MRF championships. More than that, by making me their brand ambassador, they helped elevate a new kind of inclusion narrative: one where sponsorship is extended to someone who challenges the norm, not conforms to it.
Such collaborations show how sport and brands together can push inclusive agendas, lifting voices and dreams that others might overlook, and inspiring more equitable participation in sport and society.
To young athletes: remember, sponsorship is not a transaction; it’s a relationship. Share your story with honesty, engage with integrity, and understand that who you are matters just as much as what you do.
Q. If there was one policy or mindset shift you could bring about in the world of sports for the differently abled, what would it be?
A: If I could change one thing, it would be to shift the mindset from sympathy to opportunity. Too often, differently abled athletes are either underestimated or placed into separate, limited categories. The policy shift I’d champion is full integration where possible, ensuring that athletes with disabilities are not only provided access and support but also the freedom to compete on equal terms if they are capable. This includes investment in adaptive training facilities, equal prize structures, and representation at every level from grassroots to professional sport.
Q. What’s your long-term vision—not just for your own career, but for building a more inclusive and accessible sporting ecosystem in India and globally?
A: My journey in racing is just a small part of a much larger dream. I truly believe in building a world where no physical difference stands in the way of someone’s ambition. Over the long term, I want to help create a sporting ecosystem that focuses on what people can achieve, rather than what might hold them back.
This means setting up training academies that are fully accessible to differently abled athletes so they get the same opportunities to grow and succeed. I also want to push for policy changes that make inclusivity a standard across all sporting events, not just something optional.
Working with sports federations to ensure fair and open participation in mainstream categories is another key step. And just as importantly, I want to use media and storytelling to show more representation so that young children with disabilities grow up seeing athletes who look like them and believe that they too can stand on a podium.
India has incredible talent just waiting to be discovered. If we nurture it the right way, we can set a powerful example for the world on how to truly build an inclusive and world-class sporting culture.
Q. In your experience, what are some meaningful ways in which companies can build inclusive and impactful CSR initiatives—particularly in the area of sports and disability empowerment?
A: CSR needs to be more than just ticking boxes or writing checks. It should lead to real change by building infrastructure, changing mindsets, and creating opportunities. When it comes to sports and disability empowerment, meaningful CSR is about making a lasting difference.
This could mean sponsoring sports facilities and training programs that are accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability. It’s also important to create mentoring programs where differently abled youth are guided and inspired by experienced athletes and coaches who understand their journey.
Funding scholarships and travel grants can go a long way in helping talented athletes participate at national and international levels. Companies can also work with experts to develop adaptive sports equipment that meets real needs and support inclusive sporting events that receive the visibility and recognition they deserve.
Above all, the most impactful initiatives are those that are co-created with the people they are meant to support. Listening to their experiences and involving them from the very beginning ensures that the solutions are not just inclusive but truly empowering.
Q. Beyond sports, which areas do you believe require more urgent and focused support from CSR programs when it comes to inclusion and accessibility for the differently abled in India?
A: There are a few key areas outside of sports where CSR support can make a real and urgent difference in improving inclusion and accessibility for the differently abled in India.
Education is one of the biggest gaps. Many children with disabilities still don’t have access to quality learning because schools often lack inclusive infrastructure. CSR efforts here can help fund accessible classrooms, train teachers to be more inclusive, and provide assistive technologies like screen readers or Braille tools to support learning.
Entrepreneurship is another important area. Instead of just focusing on token hiring, we need real skill-building programs and supportive workplace policies. CSR can play a big role by backing micro-enterprises led by differently abled entrepreneurs and creating or funding platforms that match them with meaningful job opportunities.
The third area is smart infrastructure. Whether it's public transport, housing, or even mobile apps, accessibility is still not built into many of the systems we use every day. CSR initiatives can invest in mobility aids, tech-based solutions, and accessible housing that help people live more independently. Inclusion should never be an afterthought. It should be a core value. And when companies reflect that belief through their CSR programs, that’s when real, lasting change begins to happen.
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