Former Minister J Krishna Palemar released the book on Mangaluru’s Cricket Heritage.

Former Minister J Krishna Palemar released the book on Mangaluru’s Cricket Heritage.

mangaloretoday.com/

Mangaluru , October 26, 2025: Former Port and Fisheries minister of Karnataka, J Krishna Palemar released  the book titled “Red Cherries on the Canara Coast’- Mangaluru’s cricket heritage  on Saturday, October 25, at the Kodialguthu Centre for Art and Culture, Ballalbagh, Mangalore. Speaking at the launch, Mr. Palemar praised the initiative. “Few today remember Mangaluru’s cricketing past. This book revives that forgotten heritage and deserves a place in every household,” he said.

“The book will serve as a valuable reference for future generations to understand the region’s historical connection with the sports” Mr. Palemar added.

The book was released in the presence of Mr. M. Prashanth Shet, jeweller and antiquities collector; Jayanth Kodkani, the author of the book and former Associate Editor of The Times of India and veteran cricket umpire Kasturi Balakrishna Pai, who was felicitated for his invaluable contributions. The event also marked the opening of a week-long exhibition of rare archival photographs chronicling over a century of cricketing heritage along the Canara coast.

In his response, Balakrishna Pai recalled his lifelong dedication to the game. “From my early days as an umpire, I collected scorecards, photographs, and documents. I shall continue to work for preserving Nehru Maidan as a cricket ground,” he said.

Prashanth Shet reflected on the importance of personal collections. “As a collector myself, I see Mr. Pai’s efforts as a remarkable example of how personal passion can enrich community heritage,” he noted.

Author Jayanth Kodkani spoke about the book’s journey, tracing cricket’s roots in the region from the colonial era to the present. “Cricket here predates independence and has produced players of great talent — from Budhi Kunderan and B.C. Alva to K.L. Rahul. It is fitting that the book is launched at Kodialguthu, the birthplace of B.C. Alva,” he said.

Former journalists Jaideep Shenoy and Stanley Carvalho shared nostalgic reflections, while INTACH Convener Subhas Chandra Basu recalled how the project grew from a 2022 exhibition and aligned with Mr. Pai’s campaign to preserve Nehru Maidan as a cricket venue.

Deekshith R. Pai delivered the introductory remarks, Nemiraj Shetty, Co-convener of INTACH, concluded the event, and Sharvani Bhat, INTACH life member and book designer, anchored the programme.

The exhibition will remain open to the public till November 1, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Kodialguthu Centre.

Copies of the book are available at a special inaugural price of Rs. 700.