Shirva: Former Cricketer Syed Kirmani inaugurates St. Mary’s Cricket Academy with great fanfare

By Dr. Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Shirva, 06 September 2011: On the beautiful  evening of Tuesday, September 6, 2011, former Test Cricketer, a versatile wicket-keeper in the Indian Team in the past and presently Director of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Academy and Chairman, KSCA Selection Committee- Padma Shree Syed Kirmani  inaugurated the much awaited St. Mary’s Cricket Academy, sponsored by St. Mary’s Old Students’ Association in the presence of a large number of students and fans  on the grounds of St. Mary’s School-College complex.

 

Prior to the  inauguration function at the St. Mary’s College ground, Syed Kirmani was welcomed with a grand motorcade procession from the Shirva Bus Stand through the main road till the college grounds. Students from all the educational institutions lined up by the side of the road and marched  to the sound of the Nasik Band and the tune of the school band. In the motorcade, Syed Kirmani was accompanied by Glen Dias of Mandavi Developers and Dr. Gururaj K-President of St. Mary’s Old Students’ Association. On the way, the fans of Syed Kirmani waved at him which he gratefully acknowledged. At one spot, one of the eminent shop-keepers offered a jasmine garland to Kirmani which he gracefully accepted.

 

The inauguration function that was held on late Rev. Fr. Hilary Gonsalves Stage was presided over by Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro, Parish Priest and Correspondent of St. Mary’s and Don Bosco Educational Institutions. Padma Shree Syed Kirmani  was the chief guest. Other guests of honour included: Pramod Madhwaraj-Industrialist of Malpe, Glen Dias-Mandavi Developers of Udupi, Vijay Alva-Former Mangalore University Cricket Captain. Felix Andrade-Principal of St. Mary’s Junior College and Honorary  President of  St. Mary’s Old Students’ Association and Mathias Lobo-Secretary were also on the dais.

 

Following the prayer song sung by the students, Dr. Gururaj K welcomed the guests. Simon D’Souza, who was instrumental in bringing Syed Kirmani to inaugurate St. Mary’s Cricket Academy introduced him to the audience.  Thereafter, Syed Kirmani, assisted by other dignitaries on the dais lighted the lamp, thus formally inaugurating St. Mary’s Cricket Academy.

 

 

After honouring Denver Mendonca, Student of St. Mary’s College for his achievements in Cricket, Syed Kirmani, in his inimitable style addressed the gathering. First of all he was all praise for the students who accorded him a memorable motorcade welcome. He said that he was reminded of earlier two such motorcade receptions  from Mumbai airport to Wankhede Cricket Stadium-first,  in 1971, when India won the Test Series against England under the captaincy of Ajit Wadekar and second, in 1983, when India won the World Cup under Kapil Dev’s captaincy.

 

Speaking further, Kirmani  said that parents, teachers and coaches can guide the students, but to achieve success in life one has to put his mind, heart and soul into something that one desires to achieve success in any field. He said that there is no short cut for succes in life. He appealed the students to work hard with sincerity and achieve the goals that they set for themselves. He also adviced the parents to have healthy interaction and find out what their children do inside and outside the school or college. He asked them to identify the areas of their children’s interest and encourage them in achieving their goals.

 

Addressing the students, Kirmani said that by their achievements they  can bring name to their parents, teachers, institutions, villages, state and even the nation.  He asked the students not to neglect their studies but to achieve proficiency in studies as well as in sports. He wished well to all the cricketing enthusiastic students and said that the KSCA organises tournaments at district levels and selects good players to be trained by the KSCA Academy at Bangalore.  At the end, Syed Kirmani gave a three point formula to the students to achieve success in life-Determination, Dedication and Discipline. He emphasised on good character and need for introspection at the end of the day so that one can do away the shortcomings and do well in whatever they do and lead a successful life.

 

Pramod Madhwaraj and Glen Dias in their messages wished well to St. Mary’s Cricket Academy. Madhwaraj hoped that St. Mary’s Cricket Academy will produce few cricketers like Syed Kirmani.

 

Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro in his  presidential message said that it was a good fortune of St. Mary’s and Don Bosco Group of Educational Institutions and Shirva that such a great cricket personality-Syed Kirmani  agreed to come and inaugurate St. Mary’s Cricket Academy. Further he said that if all the students follow the advice of Syed Kirmani  they will definitely achieve success in whatever good ventures that they would undertake. He thanked St. Mary’s Old Students’ Association for sponsoring and supporting St. Mary’s Cricket Academy.

 

The stage programme was compeered by Norbert Machado and Melwyn Aranha. Mathias Lobo-Secretary of St. Mary’s Old Student’s Association proposed the vote of thanks.

 

Following the stage programme, Syed Kirmani accompanied by the dignitaries on the stage and students, proceeded to the cricket pitch and formally declared St. Mary’s Cricket Academy open by cutting the ribbon. Meanwhile, coloured balloons were released which flew towards the cloud covered sky making it a beautiful sight in the background of the church and the main entrance gate.

 

Syed Kirmani obliged the adoring crowd of the students by wielding the bat and facing few deliveries. He was quite jovial and even obliged the students  who mobbed him requesting him for autographs.

 

In spite of advancing age, Syed  Kirmani has not lost his sense of humour and agility. He is quite articulate and has a number of fine ideas which he can put forth in lucid language that can be  understood by anyone. Cricket had been the school in which Syed Kirmani had learnt many lessons of life. It was indeed a great gesture that he came all the way from Bangalore to Shirva to inaugurate St. Mary’s Cricket Academy, the first of its kind in Shirva.