Mangaluru: Former International Cricketer, Javagal Srinath from Mysore, a Fast Bowler also well known as “Mysore Express” who was chosen for the prestigious State Level Rotary Annual “Vandana Award” in recognition and in appreciation of his outstanding achievements in International cricket field, was felicitated and conferred with the Award, on Friday, 29 May 2015 at a function held at Hotel Deepa Comforts. The award was instituted by Rotary Club of Mangalore Central in association with Rotaract Club of Mangalore City.
Rtn Santosh Shet-President of Rotary Club of Mangalore Central welcomed the gathering, while PDG Rtn Dr B Devdas Rai gave a introduction of the Vandana Awards- he said during the last years ever since the awards were introduced, quite a few eminent personalities had been presented with the Award, namely-Anandd Shetty, Dr Shantharam Shetty, Prof. GR Rai, Pradeep K Kalkura, Navaneeth Shetty, BR Bhat, Vandana Bhat (2004-2005); Dr M Mohan Alva, A Sadananda Shetty, N Mogasale, Harsha, Brig. I N Rai (2005-2006); Prof. Dr BN Hegde, Prof. Dr NR Shetty, MN Rajendra Kumar, Amritha Someshwara, Ramakrishna, harekala Hajabba (2006-2007); Justice Santhosh Hegde (2007-2008); Padmashree Chandrashekar BS (2008-2009); Gurukiran (2009-2010); Padmashree Kadri Gopalnath ( 2010-2011; AJ Shetty (2011-2012); Kasaragod Chinna, and Mobility Centre for the Blind(2012-2013); and Dr BR Shetty (2013-2014).
Following a elaborate profile of cricketer Srinath, delivered by Rtn Dr Nandakishore Rao, all the dignitaries present on the dais namely-Chief guest Prof. Dr K Byrappa- Vice Chancellor-Mangaluru University; Guests of honor-Rtn Sathish Bolar-Rotary Dist. Asst Governor; Rtn Razak Kabakars-Rotaract Dist. Representative and others felicitated Javagal Srinath, with a shawl, fruits, flower garland and mementos. Accepting the award and addressing the gathering, Srinath said, ” There is nothing wrong in getting an award for your achievements- receiving awards make you more responsible and be dedicated towards your work and others. I am glad to note that Rotary Club is doing immense service and giving charity to the community”
He furthers aid, “While the the concept that giving to others can make you feel good about yourself is not revolutionary, there are several more subtle ways that giving your money or time for a cause can benefit your psychological, spiritual and emotional well-being. When you donate to a charitable organization or a non-profit group, may improve your sense of well-being. The act of helping others can create an improved sense of well-being. Knowing that you sacrificed something such as time, finances or property in order to help others in need can give you a sense of purpose in life or work and inner satisfaction. When considering donating to a charity, many people tend to research the issues connected to that organization. As a result, you become more educated about social injustices around the world. You may discover new points of view and opinions on topics about which you were previously uniformed. This knowledge may position you to help increase the awareness of social problems among those in your sphere of influence from a balanced and educated standpoint “.
Srinath also speaking on cricket said, “Club culture, education and support of parents are the essential elements required for children to scale greater heights in cricket. Children should also club cricket with education. A good student in studies indeed will be an excellent cricketer too. Do not make compromise with education if you want to be a good cricketer. Education too is essential for a budding cricketer. Also regular practice is most essential in a cricketer’s life. Make K L Rahul, who is Mangalorean, as your role model. You can do wonders in cricket”.
Srinath also talked about his future projects like Charity for Sports; and Charity for Education, which he presently working on, and seeked support from organizations like Rotary, Rotaract etc. Introduction of the chief guest was done by Rtr. Rajesh Devadiga- President of Rotaract Club of mangalore City. Chief guest Dr Byrappa also complimented Rotary Club of Mangalore Central for their charitable work towards the community. He further said, ” I am trying to motivate and convince the students at the Mangalore University to develop the habits of charity work. I want them to go into the villages and adopt a village, and thereby make a difference in that region. You will be blessed when you help the less-fortunate and needy”.
Five Charter presidents/founder members of Rotary Club-Mangalore Central were also felicitated during the occasion, for their dedication and commitment towards the growth of the club-they were Rtn. Premnath Kudva, Rtn. Shridhar Kamath, Rtn Satish Pai, Rtn. Ramdas, and Rtn. Ravindra Nayak. Vote of thanks was proposed by Rtr. Anil Shetty-Secretary of Rotaract Club of Mangalore City.
Javagal Srinath- A brief Profile :
Former International Cricketer Javagal Srinath was born on 31.08.1969. He had his early education at Mysore. He joined Shree Jayachamarajendra college of Engineering (S.J.C.E) at Mysore & secured in B.E Degree in Instrumentation Technology. He initially began his Cricketing Career as a batsman. He was identified as a potential Fast Bowler by G.R. Vishwanath, former test Cricketer & Former State Team Selector.
He made his first class debut in a Ranji trophy match against Hyderabad in the year 1989-90 and claimed hatrick in the first match itself. He finished the season with 25 wickets from 6 matches. He made his debut in ODI in the Wills trophy match at Sharjah in the year 1991. He is also India’s most prolific wicket taker at the World Cups with 44 wickets in 34 matches. He has claimed more than 315 wickets in the ODI, the only fast bowler to achieve this feat. He made his test debut in the year 1991-92 against Australia at Brisbane & claimed 3/59. He finished the tour with 10 Wickets. In 1992 he was selected for the World Cup & played in the year 1996, 1999 & 2003 (The only fast Bowler to appear in 4 world cup matches). He has claimed more than 500 first class wickets.
In the year 1995, he joined the English County Gloucestershire & claimed 87 wickets in one season, best being 9/76 against Glamorgan. He has also played English County cricket with Leicestershire and Durham. He recorded his fastest delivery at 157 km/hr against Zimbabwe in the year 1997 at Pearl. Australian legendary fast bowler Dennis Lille called him as a genuine fast bowler.
Former Indian Cricket Captain Anil Kumble is his best friend & Srinath helped him to achieve Perfect 10 wickets against Pakistan in the year 1999. He led the Indian fast bowling attack for 12 years. His destructive bowling spell was 6/21 against South Africa in the year 1996 which India won. His Best Bowling Performance was on the year 1991 against Pakistan (8/86 & 5/46 Total 13 Wickets in a match).
He was the man of the match in 7 test matches & in 2 ODI’S
Records
67 Tests – 236 wickets 229 ODI- 315 Wickets 4 World cups-44 Wickets
His test Career ended in the year 2002 against West Indies at Kolkata. Last ODI he played was against Australia at Johannesburg South Africa. He was listed at the 8th Place in the I.C.C Rankings.
After his retirement from Cricket he served as a Commentator, match referee. Presently he is serving as a match referee for IPL matches. He is happily married to Mrs. Madhavi Pathravali who was a Journalist by Profession, now a Home maker & she supports Srinath in all his endeavors.
