'Manfest 2007' kicks off at IIM-L

Lucknow, Jan 19 (UNI) The annual business conclave of Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow (IIM-L) 'Manfest 2007' kicked off here today.

Manfest is an ISO 9001:2000 certified extravaganza, which has over the years metamorphosed into one of the largest and most awaited events across all Indian B-schools.

Global leaders from diverse fields, eminent management professionals and students gathered for a three-day spectacle.

''Manfest provides them a platform to exchange views and ideas, and an arena to compete fiercely in various competitions,'' Dr Ruchir Mehra, spokesman, IIM-L media relations committee told UNI this evening.

Manfest 2007 is woven around the theme 'Indian Roots, Global Ambitions' and aims to capture the essence of Indian thinkers and organisations making big pioneering strides in global arena.

''Manfest 2006 was an event with budget over Rs 60 lakh. The business events generated high participation from B-schools across India and abroad. Events like On-line Biz Theatre generated 2.5 million hits on the website,'' Dr Mehra informed.

So far, Manfest online has already generated 2.5 million clicks on the website and offers prizes worth Rs 2.5 lakh.

This year, the list of speakers at Manfest includes ad man Prahlad Kakkar; Raghu Pillai - Head, Reliance Retail; Chandra Sekaran - MD, Cognizant; Robert De Haas - Global HR Director; R P Singh - Director, PGCIL; Indrasen Vencatachellum - Chief of Section for Arts, Crafts and Design, UNESCO; Siva Shanker - Head, Structured Finance Division, Citibank; Neeraj Gambhir - General Manager, ICICI and Head of M&A Advisory, ICICI; and Krishna Iyer - COO DSP Merill Lynch.

The theme for finance panel discussion this year pertains to global acquisition spree by India Inc and current business challenges/opportunities.

'' Panel Discussions have the eclectic mix of both academicians and top industry representatives,'' IIM-L Director Prof Devi Singh said.

''Manfest 2007 aims to scale newer heights. Some of our new initiatives include an international outlook by opening up events to the top B Schools in Americas, Europe, China and South-East Asia and a strong online presence with an aim to reaching large number of B School students,'' Dr Mehra added.

Later in the day, maverick Prahlad Kakkar shared his success story with the students, while Mr Pillai delivered a talk on the buzz around modern retail.

This year, popular rock band Indian Ocean is performing at the IIM-L tomorrow and joining the league of several other leading bands, who have already performed in the campus in previous years.

UNI