Remembering Mama Karmarkar, a dear uncle to Indian cricketers

Pune-born, Baroda-nurtured and Mumbai-domiciled, Narayan Damodar Karmarkar fitted the old saying "handsome is as handsome does." Today is his birth centenary. 'Mama' Karmarkar was Indian cricket's dear uncle.

Remembering Mama Karmarkar, a dear uncle to Indian cricketers

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Remembering Mama Karmarkar, a dear uncle to Indian cricketers

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Pune-born, Baroda-nurtured and Mumbai-domiciled, Narayan Damodar Karmarkar fitted the old saying "handsome is as handsome does." Today (March 6) is his birth centenary. 'Mama' Karmarkar was Indian cricket's dear uncle.

For one who was closely associated with him for more than 50 years, 'Mama' endeared himself to almost one and all.

He was a first-class (Ranji) umpire at the age of 28 and even did duty in an unofficial Test. He was a faithful servant of the Baroda Cricket Association which he served as Honorary Secretary for 11 years from 1937. Many believe that cricket was his first love but it was tennis that was his passion. Proof of this was early morning regular attendance at the Shivaji Park Gymkhana. His organisational abilities were spotted by Anthony de Mello, the founder of the Board of Cricket Control in India.