Rice saga began from the humble environs of the rice bazaar, Thrissur, which is the cultural capital of Kerala. It was here late Sri. M.O. John started his rice vending outlet in the year 1959. He was a visionary who brought about a great revolution in the rice industry. He was the founder general secretary of the Vyapari Vyavasai Ekopana Samithi, an association of the business community of Kerala. He was also the president of the Chamber of Commerce, Thrissur(1993-2000).
Thanks to the wide vision of this great man, Manjilas make about 14 varieties of rice and about 20 varieties of food products under the famous brand name .