MAM
PR story comes full circle as veteran pens India’s five-decade journey
MUMBAI: From press releases to power moves, Public Relations in India has been on quite the rollercoaster and now its story has been bound between covers. Communication veteran Ganapathy Viswanathan, who has spent over 30 years shaping brands at Ogilvy, Lintas, Mudra and Publicis, has launched a new book chronicling PR’s dramatic transformation across five decades.
What began in the 1970s as a little-understood function has now grown into a strategic juggernaut that drives reputation, navigates crises, and even influences elections and sport. Viswanathan’s book captures this arc with real-world anecdotes and practical insights that make it both a guide for the young and a mirror for industry stalwarts.
“PR today is about building trust, telling authentic stories, and engaging meaningfully with audiences across platforms. This book is my tribute to a profession that has the power to shape perceptions, influence decisions, and create lasting impact,” said Viswanathan at the launch.
The chapters don’t shy away from today’s burning questions either: the talent crunch, the shifting roles of influencers and journalists, and how empathy has become as critical as strategy.
For students, it’s a crash course in a craft that’s moved beyond “spin.” For professionals, it’s a reminder that PR is now central to boardrooms, not just newsrooms. And for India’s communication industry at large, it’s a milestone marker charting how far PR has come, and how much further it could go.
Brands
Origen Realty names Preeti Rai as president- sales & strategy
Veteran hire signals push into Gurugram market with growth ambitions
GURUGRAM: Origen Realty has appointed Preeti Rai as president for sales and strategy, as the company gears up to enter the competitive Gurugram property market.
The move brings in a seasoned industry hand with over two decades of experience across residential and commercial real estate. In her new role, she will lead the company’s sales operations and go-to-market strategy, with a focus on building a strong foothold in Gurugram and driving early momentum.
Origen Realty management said the appointment marks a key milestone in its expansion plans. Origen Realty management said the hire will help sharpen execution and strengthen the company’s sales-led growth strategy as it steps into a new market.
Preeti Rai said, “I look forward to being part of Origen Realty at a pivotal stage in its journey and contributing to building a strong presence in the Gurugram market.”
Before joining Origen Realty, she served as senior vice president for sales and marketing at Elan Group. Her career also includes stints at major developers such as DLF Universal Ltd, Today Homes and Infrastructure, Paras Buildtech Pvt Ltd and Ambience Infrastructure Ltd, where she built expertise across channel sales, leasing, and end-to-end deal execution.
Known for her focus on strategy and team leadership, Rai is expected to play a central role in shaping Origen Realty’s market positioning and sales ecosystem in the region.
As Gurugram’s real estate market continues to attract fresh investments and new entrants, Origen Realty’s latest leadership hire signals its intent to compete with a clear, sales-driven playbook.
