The Best of Both Worlds

Forbes India- A brand new endeavour

Published: May 18, 2009 07:03:00 AM IST

Updated: Dec 13, 2010 06:09:03 PM IST

Launching a new business magazine in these times is a hazardous exercise. But the Network18 group embarked on the project to launch the Indian edition of Forbes at a time when the world economy was clearly in high spirits. Yet within the first four months of our project, we ran smack into the worst downturn in living history. We watched in horror as the world economy shook under the tremors of its impact. Even till two weeks ago, we were staring at the prospect of a hung Parliament adding to the economy's woes. Suddenly, the tide has changed.

We couldn't have asked for more opportune moment to debut Forbes India. Even though the downturn seemed to cast its shadow on our project, the truth is that it really had no perceptible impact on our project. We've continued to invest behind the best people-writers, desk, designers and photographers-and systems. We've remained steadfast in our belief that the Indian market was ready for a world-class business magazine that chronicles the Indian entrepreneurial surge-in a world that is far more connected and integrated than it was even five years ago. In fact, today, the world is looking at India as a test bed for a new model of inclusive capitalism. We're privileged to cover this transformation in one of the world's most exciting emerging markets.

Yet magazines are a losing proposition around the world. So why did Network18 choose to enter the fray? I guess much depends on how you view opportunities. To understand that a bit better, you've got to read Founder and Editor Raghav Bahl describe why Network18 took the plunge into the magazine space . To my mind, it's a brilliant example of Blue Ocean Strategy. Search for uncontested spaces in a market-coupled with a deep belief that every business is a growth business. During our start up phase, we heard a consistent refrain from Indian business leaders: in the last five years, India Inc had grown well beyond our borders. Yet business media had somehow lagged behind. At Forbes India, we've committed to bringing you the best of both worlds: a selection of the best global content that Forbes, one of the world's most influential business magazines has to offer and the most impactful stories from the Indian market. At a time when India steps out to look for opportunities, Forbes India will also provide a sense of how the world looks at us.

In that context, read Forbes Editor-in-Chief Steve Forbes' exclusive column on what the world expects from India.

So are you ready for Forbes India? Do tell us what you think. Let's start the conversation.

Next Post: So how will Forbes India be different?

Post Your Comment

Comments 22

Ankit Bansal

Forbes can be rated as the best magazine among all English magazines available in India..Keep it up.!!!!
on Aug 17, 2010
Rajat Joshi

Brilliant magzine.The content is too good and very relevant.
on Sep 8, 2009
Shravan

I can safely say that this is my favourite reading material at work. What steps are you taking to promote the magazine/website? It does need promoting! It's better, for columns and opinion, than anything else out there!
on Jul 21, 2009
Nibras

Great magazine. Just picked the July edition . Many thanks.... long way to go. Nibras, Bangalore
on Jul 12, 2009
Rohini Gupta

Loved the magazine, and especially your article kaka!
on Jun 8, 2009
preeti

Most of the magazines, on most of the time feed readers with an overdose of sex surveys, bikini glam dolls, pouring of fake insights on corporate razzmatazz and political machismo to remain in BUSINESS, the FORBES India edition was a like a fresh air. It offered a different take on people, corporate, politics and every thing Cheers
on Jun 5, 2009
aditya singh

I really liked this magazine.But there should be one column for regulatory update also. Wishing you all the success. Aditya K. Singh
on May 29, 2009
Harsh Shrivastava

One-sided story about Kampani Why's India's newest magazine carrying on for an alleged lawbreaker? Why is the leading state in this government being made to look mean and vindictive? First, Kampani has broken a law, and even the respected Supreme Court doesn't disagree. Second, he's not been hounded by "a politician", but facing the law that a democratically elected government has framed. Third, nowhere in this story did you speak to some of those who lost their money--their side of the tale--the reason why such laws exist Therefore, are you saying that businessmen can be above the law, because they're the "leading investment" bankers. Suppose this had happened in the US? Remember when four investment bankers were extradited from London to the US to face charges, and they hadn't hurt poor depositors. In this cynical age, people are bound to ask: why's Forbes writing so strongly ("a service to the nation") about him ? What's his connection to Network 18? To avoid this, may I suggest that you could have a disclaimer in the beginning itself that Network 18 has no business links with Mr. Kampani? Otherwise, this story was more explanatory than many others--it gave the history of the Ramoji Rao case, as well as the need for the law. Still, as I said too one-sided for comfort.
on May 28, 2009
Roshan

I liked the inaugaral issue. Congrats and wishing u all the success.
on May 27, 2009
Shenil Raghavan

A good take off
on May 26, 2009
Mehmood Khan

Dear Indrajit Last saturday when I saw the unfolding of the verdict given by the voters in the largest democracy,it was very humbling experience in terms of lessons.Collective wisdom of people said it all. India needs to build on positive energy and hence needs a positive agenda for the Government.Voters have rewarded all those who are putting efforts in making a difference to the society/nation and people at large. Your launching of this magazine is very appropriate.India's story in going to unfold now with this positive agenda.In my view it will be unstoppable growth story as Government will have to put efforts on development for getting re-elected.Opposition will have to behave responsibly to build a chance to get elected.This time we had 43 million new voters.Next time this number will be even bigger.They all need work and this will only come if the Pie grows bigger so that every body can find work and purpose. Your magazine will fill void to connect Business leaders with Global perspective and agenda. Best wishes Mehmood
on May 25, 2009
srini

The sail that took its travail during rough weather will make wonders of reaching the unreachable. kudos to IG
on May 24, 2009
robert

Well Done Inderjit and wishing you all the success.
on May 23, 2009
Ashutosh Sinha

Great beginning! Want to read more and more about many global Indians
on May 23, 2009
Harsh Shrivastava

Good first issue. Three big stories, and in each of them, you went beyond any other magazine by making some pointed remarks. However, these were three obvious stories--Mallya, Mittal, and Tanti are the usual suspects. Look forward to more stories about "non-obvious" people!
on May 22, 2009
itad

look forward to reading. where all, is this magazine available? what is its price? good luck.
on May 22, 2009
Nidhi

If you are ready the environment also turns in your favour. I am yet to read the magazine but it looks good. Congrats and all the best IG.
on May 22, 2009
Pradeep Gupta

Hi, Many Congratulations on the launch of this globally acclaimed mag, went thru the online version
on May 22, 2009
Harisha Trivedi

Hearty Congratulations ! I believe Forbes India will maintain the same quality standards as well as gain the trust of readers. Cheers !!!
on May 22, 2009
Omkar

Congratulations IG, finally there. Wish you and Forbes the best of success!
on May 22, 2009
Jehangir Pocha

Great start IG! Will help us all raise our game.
on May 22, 2009
Lubna

Congratulations IG and team. Am looking forward to reading Forbes India. Best,
on May 22, 2009

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