SHILLONG, Feb 1: Noted city-based businessman and socio-cultural figure, MK Mohanan, passed away at NEIGRIHMS following a brief illness today. He was 72.
His house, Mohanam in Pohkseh area of the city, was flocked by well-wishers, friends, relatives and neighbours all day long (on Monday) to offer their condolences.
Similar messages condoling his demise also poured in from his loved ones from all over the country.
Wreaths and flowers were offered to the departed soul with prayers and many even recollected their association with Mohanan, who was a visionary and stalwart in his field.
Mohanan created a legacy in the local business milieu with his firm — M/s Taste, an authorised Channel Partner of Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd. started in 1992.
He was not only a business figure but also a spiritual seeker.
A staunch follower of saint, seer and social reformer from Kerala, Sree Narayana Guru, he started a socio-cultural organisation in Shillong, Sree Narayana Guru Cultural Centre (SNGCC) in 2004.
The organisation is well-known in the arena of public welfare activities and especially felicitation of unsung heroes from various strata of the society with four awards given away every year on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the Guru.
The four awards — Sree Narayana Guru Social Service Award, Sree Narayana Guru Education / Literary Award, Sree Narayana Guru Entrepreneurship Award and Sree Narayana Guru Lifetime Achievement Award — has made a name of its own in the socio-cultural sphere here.
He remained the president of SNGCC right from its inception.
Mohanan was a multifaceted personality and his enterprising abilities were manifested when he started Southern Taste, a purely vegetarian restaurant, in the premises of M/s Taste in 2019. He was also known for bringing the benefits of Ayurveda of Kerala fame to the people of Meghalaya and this region with his venture, Mohanam Sree Narayana Ayurvedic Centre located at Nongrim Hills.
He is survived by his wife, daughter, son-in-law and two grandsons.
