The faculty and the students of IIM Shillong paid homage to Mr. Manjunath Shanmugam on his ninth death anniversary by conducting a candlelight march. Once again, like last year, IIM Shillong joined hands with the Manjunath Shanmugam Trust to undertake the pledge of integrity to fight corruption. Over 100 students gathered at around 6:30 pm to participate in the march and offer their heartfelt condolences and respect to this great personality. The march was preceded by a speech which eulogized Mr. Manjunath Shanmugam as a true inspiration. This was followed by a pledge of commitment taken by the students to uphold integrity at any cost and not succumb to corruption. The students then set off on the candle march from IIM Shillong Campus to the church in Nongthymmai where the candles were placed around a large photo of Mr. Manjunath followed by a minute of silence.
Mr. Manjunath, an alumnus of IIM Lucknow, was working to curb oil malpractices. During his fight against corruption and dishonesty, he was murdered on 19th November, 2005 by a petrol pump owner and his seven accomplices. Every year, on this very day, students across all IIMs and other B-schools participate in this endeavour of awakening nation-wide consciousness, through a candle light march. This memorial is conducted in collaboration with the Manjunath Shanmugam Trust (MST), an international corporate community initiative; which works to improve governance in Indian public life. Mr. Manjunath is a symbol of courage and values to every single citizen of India, more so, to the students of the IIMs. Through this endeavour, students of IIM Shillong, took a vow to honour integrity and fight corruption.