Calcutta: VVS Laxman’s exploits at the Eden, which always ensured India finished on top, made Calcutta something very special for him.

The city now has an opportunity to witness Laxman’s oratory skills as the former middle-order batsman will be delivering this year’s Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi Memorial Lecture, which will be held here on October 19, a day before the fifth and final India-West Indies ODI at the Eden.

The lecture will be held as part of the Eden’s 150 years celebrations.

“The Pataudi Memorial Lecture was initially scheduled for October 18, but we were informed by the BCCI that October 19 has been finalised as the date. VVS will be delivering the lecture,” said Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) treasurer Biswarup Dey, on Monday.

The Board will also invite former India captains to be part of the lecture, Dey added.

The inaugural Pataudi lecture was delivered by Sunil Gavaskar in February 2013, in Chennai, while former India captain Anil Kumble did the second in Mumbai last November.

Meanwhile, former India all-rounder Salim Durani and Chandu Borde will be present during the book release and documentary on Eden (‘Eternal Eden’), on October 16. “Both of them were instrumental in leading India to a Test victory over England here at the Eden.

That was also India’s first-ever Test win at the Eden, which is why we wanted both to be present,” Dey said.