Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Nov 6: Founder of Mangaluru's favourite ice cream brand Shibaroor Prabhakar Kamath passed away in the wee hours of Saturday November 6.

Founder of Ideal Ice Cream, Prabhakar Kamath breathed his last at around 3.30 am.

Kamath, who was injured in an accident that took place at Bejai here on October 29, was being treated in a private hospital in the city.

Fondly called 'Pabba Maam', Kamath had started his business in the 70s dealing in general items. He used to undertake sales of crackers manufactured in Shivakashi during the Deepavali festival. As there were fluctuations in business, he wanted to venture into something that would be in demand throughout the year, and decided to establish an ice cream parlour. He taught himself the art of making ice creams, conducting experiments at home, with neighbours as his critics.

On May 1, 1975, he opened Ideal's Parlour at Market Road with 14 flavours. In the decades to come, Ideal brand of ice cream went on to earn name and recognition, becoming Mangaluru's best tourist attraction, the flavours and taste making them a favourite not only among Mangalureans but people everywhere. His ice creams have won several national and international awards.

Prabhakar Kamath has left behind a son, two daughters and scores of friends, admirers and well-wishers.

BJP state president, Nalin Kumar Kateel, ministers, Angara and Srinivas Poojary, former district in-charge minister, B Ramanath Rai and U T Khader, union minister D V Sadananda Gowda, MLAs, Vedavyas Kamath, Bharath Shetty, Harish Poonja and other dignitaries have mourned the demise of Prabhakar Kamath.