Manel Srinivas Nayak (1913-91)

Leader/Altruist/Industrialist/Educationist

Born on February 8, 1913, into a family with a long tradition of business, philanthropy, and social service Manel Srinivas Nayak joined the freedom movement under the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1930 and served two terms as Member of the Legislative), Mangalore 1 constituency between 1961-69 in the erstwhile Mysore State Legislative Assembly. He served as President of the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) (1958-59) and was also on the board of Directors of Canara Bank (1965-69) in addition to numerous other social welfare related endeavors. Simultaneously, ably assisted by his family he further successfully expanded the family-run hardware business into petroleum retail as well. Following his retirement from active politics he immersed himself in the working of the Besant Institutions joining the parent Society (WNES) in 1974 and continued as President till 1990.His tenure as President oversaw the founding of Besant Evening College, Besant Women’s College and Besant English School. In remembrance of his contributions to the Besant Group of Institutions and education at large, MSNIM was established in 1999 - the first private institute in Mangalore to offer an MBA programme under affiliation to Mangalore University. The institute aims to empower minds, provide a platform for entrepreneurship and at the same time uphold the esteemed values of integrity of character and service to the society.