The Director, faculty and the students of IIM Shillong paid their respects to Mr. Shanmugam Manjunath on his eighth death anniversary by conducting a candle light march. 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.
This year too, IIM Shillong students showed their solidarity towards the cause. Over 100 participants assembled well before the scheduled time of 6:30 pm with resonating silence and sincerity, depicting their heartfelt veneration for this great person. Before the march, a short address was given to the students about Mr. Manjunath, the Manjunath Shanmugam Trust (MST) and its activities to curb corruption. Then the students took up a pledge of commitment towards upholding integrity at any cost and not succumbing to corruption.
The march started from the campus of IIM Shillong and culminated at the church in Nongthymmai.
The tribute concluded in the church, with all the candles placed around a large photo of Mr. Manjunath followed by a minute of silence, paying homage to him.
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.