Markathon March 2012 Edition

Dear Readers,

I would like to start off by thanking the readers for the overwhelming response to the Markathon Collector’s edition. The feeling of putting together so many big names over the last couple of years sunk in only once we compiled them into one edition. The names stand as a testament to the efforts put in by every member of Team Markathon since it was founded. The edition also helped us move back from running one month late, and embracing a new date format. Markathon will now be released in the beginning of the month rather than at the end of every month.

Over the years Markathon has had cover stories taking the readers through various sectors and giving them the marketing overview of the same. This month, our cover story looks at the Advertising industry, which has evolved in a very interesting and radical way post liberalisation. It is a fascinating read , aptly titled ‘David vs Goliath’ , we look at how the small, boutique communications firms are competing against the likes of Ogilvy, JWT, Lowe Lintas and others. These small firms have carved a unique niche for themselves and are creating waves in the industry.

Our Vartalaap for this month covers an eminent personality from the world of advertising, Mr. Ramanujam Sridhar, the CEO of Integrated Brand-Comm Pvt Ltd. A communication consultant, author, columnist, teacher, trainer, cricket enthusiast and a passionate social activist, with his diverse interests and expertise has the credit of guiding organizations like R K SWAMY BBDO, Prathibha Advertising and Mudra Communications under his eminent leadership. He talks to our readers about branding, advertising and public relations and its future in India.

From the academic world we have Professor Mohanbir Sawhney, Director of the Center for Research in Technology & Innovation at the Kellogg School of Management. Prof. Sawhney who is known for his scholarly work in the field of digital media and ecommerce, was named as one of the 25 most influential people in e-Business by Business Week. From research ranging from digital marketing to organic growth to network-centric innovation and widely recognized as a global thought leader he talks to our readers about innovation and ecommerce opportunities in India.

This edition is also very special to me because it is my last one as an editor. It has been one year since the 2010-2012 team took over and we’ve had a great time working for the magazine. It also makes us proud that we had some wonderful Vartalaap guests in this period and also launched a very special Anniversary issue in the month of July. We also launched the magazine with the IIM Shillong Golf Cup wherein Team Markathon came out with a special Sports Edition featuring the interview of Harsha Bhogle.

All the success achieved is owed to the wonderful team I had, each one of them has worked with immense dedication and passion for the magazine and I am thankful to them. A special mention for the designers, who are probably the most patient folks, working painstakingly to create the beautiful stories month after month and also tolerating all the last minute changes the editorial team submitted to them.

The faculty and administration at IIM Shillong has been very helpful to Markathon and supported us in every endeavour. Prof. D K Agrawal has always been a pillar of strength for the Markathon team. Dr. Shajahan’s kind words of encouragement and thoughtful criticism have ensured that the team has put its best to improve the magazine in every way. I also have to thank Prof. Harwant Singh Chabbra , the faculty co ordinator for Marketing Club who has been a constant source of inspiration for us.

I am sure the incoming team of members for the 2011-2013 will put Markathon on a higher pedestal than it is currently. I am happy to hand over the reins of the magazine to them. The magazine will now have an Editorial team as an entirety and the position of Editor has been done away with.

I would also like to thank the readers who’ve constantly sent in their feedback and suggestions to improve the magazine. Signing off; one last time.

Sit back and enjoy this edition!
Happy Reading!
Jitesh