Date:13/01/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/01/13/stories/2005011302571700.htm

Back IIM Lucknow's Manfest begins tomorrow

Mamuni Das

New Delhi , Jan. 12

THE annual event of Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow (IIML) - Manfest 2005 - will see participants grilling their minds on live consulting assignments from Tata Motors, Reliance Infocomm, and Reckitt Benckiser.

With an expected participation of 1,200 students from 70-odd management schools, the event will also see the Air Deccan Chief Managing Director, Capt G.R. Gopinath, discuss his company's business model, loopholes, threats and possible expansion plans with the students.

The event, to be kicked off on January 14 in Lucknow, has a large budget this year. IIML has collected Rs 32 lakh this year, up from Rs 27 lakh last year, and Rs 8 lakh the previous year. "There are about 20 corporates involved in the event. With the expenditure for the event reaching Rs 32 lakh this year, its sheer scale and scope has increased beyond expectations," said Dr Debashish Chatterjee, Faculty Advisor, Manfest 2005.

With regards to sponsors, there is increased participation from tech companies. "Last year there were more of FMCGs, whereas this year there is a visible shift towards tech companies with Cognizant Technology Solutions, QAI and MBT coming in as sponsors," said the Manfest Coordinator, Mr Parijat Saurabh, a final semester student of IIML.

However, there has been support from Oil and Natural Gas Commission and the Tatas over the years. Other sponsors include ABN Amro, Pepsi Foods, Murugappa Group and Indian Airlines.