Former Mumbai and India stumper Madhav Mantri has been a witness to most of the glorious moments during his nephew's who is known to the world as Sunil Manohar Gavaskar illustrious career
Former Mumbai and India stumper Madhav Mantri has been a witness to most of the glorious moments during his nephew's who is known to the world as Sunil Manohar Gavaskar illustrious career.
And yesterday, at the Padmashree Dr DY Patil University, Mantri, 87, witnessed another such moment when Gavaskar was conferred a doctorate at the sprawling university campus.
Mantri made it a point to see one of the legends of the game being honoured with Doctor of Science (honoris causa) for his outstanding contribution to the field of sports.
Though this was the fourth occasion when Gavaskar was honoured with an honorary doctorate, this was the first instance Mantri witnessed Gavaskar receiving such an honour.
"I didn't even know that he had three doctorates till I read it (in MiD DAY) yesterday," Mantri told MiD DAY yesterday. "It's an acknowledgement of his sincere contribution, both during and after his playing days, to the game that has given him so much."
Even Gavaskar was moved to see his uncle coming all the way from Dadar to Nerul for the function.
"I have to thank my uncle Madhav Mantri, Nanamama because of whom I started playing cricket and I am delighted that he is here today when I am receiving this honour," Gavaskar,u00a0 said during his speech after receiving the doctorate.
"It was him playing for India in the 1950s that really got me interested in the game of cricket. And his advice right throughout my career has been invaluable. I am so happy that Nanamama could be here to see me receive this."
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