IIMB Alumni raise funds to name classroom after Prof. P.N. Thirunarayana

The alumni of IIMB have come forward and raised funds amounting to INR 2 crores to name a classroom on the campus in the loving memory of Professor of Marketing Late PN Thirunarayana (aka PNT). Prof Thiru joined IIMB in 1977 and was with the Institute for over 33 years and had a huge impact on the students. His father was the famous Kannada playwright and poet, Padma Shri awardee P.T. Narasimhachar, popularly called PuTiNa.

IIMB’s alumni raised INR 2 crores and availed the naming rights of a classroom that allows the school to use the untied funds for purposes that it deems fit. The PGP batch of 1986, PGP batch of 1993, Sandeep Runwal of the PGP 1993 batch and many other alumni made contributions to support this cause. 

The classroom naming event was held online, on the auspicious day of Guru Purnima and was attended by alumni, faculty, students, and members of the family of Prof Thiru. On this occasion, Professor Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director of IIMB, said: “Professor PNT was a legend in the Marketing area and generations of students benefitted immensely from his teaching. I hope more alumni will participate in similar initiatives to acknowledge the great faculty of this institute.” Professor K. Kumar, Dean, Alumni Relations & Development, said: “The trend of alumni getting together to show their gratitude to their teachers and also exhibit a sense of giving back is a great tradition that is getting set up at IIMB.”

The event was attended by members in big numbers. It was an emotional event where the former colleagues and students of Prof Thiru shared their memories of him. The PGP batch of 1993 said, “We are proud and privileged to contribute to this wonderful cause. It is a tribute and symbol of our affection for our Guru.” Purushottam, on behalf of the PGP Class of 1986, said: “We are fortunate that we received Professor PNT’s infinite wisdom in our formative years and we are eternally grateful.” Sandeep Runwal, from the PGP Class of 1993 and the single largest individual contributor, added, “Professor PN Thirunarayana was a legend in Marketing and dedicating this classroom in his memory is a great legacy that IIMB is creating through this initiative.”

The event was also covered by leading newspapers, websites and social media.