Preserving the Spirit of the Game: A Journey Through Mangaluru’s Cricket Heritage
- Book and photo exhibition by INTACH and Art Kanara Trust launched.
Mangaluru: The Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), in association with Art Kanara Trust, hosted the launch of the book ‘Red Cherries on the Canara Coast: The Story of Cricket in Mangaluru and Udupi’ on Saturday, October 25, at the Kodialguthu Centre for Art and Culture, Ballalbagh. 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.
Former state minister Krishna J. Palemar released the book in the presence of M. Prashanth Shet, jeweller and antiquities collector; Jayanth Kodkani, the author and former Associate Editor of The Times of India; artist and journalist V. U. George; and veteran umpire Kasturi Balakrishna Pai, who was felicitated for his invaluable contributions and for sharing his rich personal cricket archive, forming the core of the publication.
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.
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 to preserve 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 Convenor 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.
Part of the Mangalore Art and Archival Project of INTACH and Art Kanara Trust, 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.