RECORD TRIBUTE TO MANJUNATH
BID TO BREAK RECORD IIM-L students create a mosaic of his portrait and date of birth to symbolise his courage
Students of IIM-Lucknow paid a unique tribute to former alumnus and whistleblower late Manjunath Shanmugam on his 10th death anniversary by creating a mosaic of his portrait with Rubik’s cubes. With the mosaic made of 23,278 cubes, the students claim to have broken the previous Limca Record of 16,120 cubes.
LUCKNOW: Paying tribute to whistleblower Shanmugam Manjunath on his 10th death anniversary here on Thursday, students of IIM-Lucknow created a Rubik’s cubes mosaic of his portrait and date of birth to symbolise his sacrifice, courage and integrity. After creating the mosaic made of 23,278 Rubik’s cubes, the students claimed to have broken the previous Limca Record of 16,120 cubes.
An MBA from II M-L, Manjunath was shot dead on November 19, 2005 after he detected an oil adulteration racket during a surprise raid at a petrol pump in Lakhimpur Kheri. He was peppered with six bullets by the petrol pump owner Pawan Kumar and seven of his aides.
“Using 23,278 cubes to create the mosaic, we made a bid to break the current Limca Record of 16,120 cubes. By observing his death anniversary, we want to send out a strong message of anti-corruption and inspire young minds across the country to become like Manjunath,” said Panchu Ghorui, a PGP student.
“An entry into the Limca Book of Records will help us spread Manjunath’s ideology of honesty and fight against corruption across the globe. We will be able to encourage the youth across boundaries to follow his footsteps,” said Abishake Koul, another student.
An approximate sum of Rs 3 lakh was spent to create the mosaic. While the cubes cost Rs 2,40, 875, a sum of Rs 50,000 was spent on operational expenses. A city-based vendor was roped in to supply the cubes. The mosaic will be kept on display from November 20-22 during Manfest Varchasva.
Students recorded the making of the mosaic and plan to share it with the alumni of the institute on social media platforms. An inspirational song dedicated to Manjunath was also performed after the candle light vigil held on the campus. Advocate IB Singh, who fought Manjunath’s case also addressed the students.
Preparations for the event began in September itself. Students received the cubes in the first week of November and started preparing segments of Manjunath’s portrait from November 13. On Thursday, they assembled the different segments at the convocation ground.
Once the event is over, 60 - 70% of the cubes will be sold to raise funds that could be used for offering scholarship to the needy.
An entry in the Limca Book of Records will help us spread Manjunath’s ideology of honesty and fight against corruption across the globe. We will be able to encourage the youth to follow his footsteps.
ABISHAKE KOUL, student