SP Guide Publications CMD and Editor-in-Chief Jayant Baranwal along with mrs Monika Baranwal presenting a copy of Sp’s Military yearbook 2005-2006 to president of india Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (2006)

President Dr Kalam (2006) conveyed his appreciation on the content structure and the regional coverage of the Yearbook. And conveyed his best wishes to SP’s Team for future efforts

Jayant Baranwal with the Defence Minister of India Pranab Mukherjee (2005), currently the President of India

Jayant Baranwal with Defence Minister george fernandes during Defexpo (2004)

Jayant baranwal presents a copy of SP’s Military Yearbook to Defence Minister A.K. Antony (2010)

As we celebrate the Golden Jubilee of SP Guide Publications, paying tribute to our founder Shri Sukhdeo Prasad Baranwal, we are looking forward to the years ahead, benchmarking ourselves along the way. In this part of the world, SP Guide Publications is the one and only media house in the realm of defence and aviation which has thrived for the past 50 years. They have been glorious years with all the vicissitudes of publishing. It certainly is no mean achievement. SP Guide Publications singularly stands out for its trailblazing efforts.

Nationalist movement

The seeds of such an endeavour were sown during the nationalist movement. Inspired by the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi the youth was an energised lot. Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent movement had a lasting impact on the youth. Shri Sukhdeo Prasad Baranwal, popularly known to all as S.P. Baranwal, who was born in 1930, became part of the Quit India Movement at a very young age of 12 and he was incarcerated for a day in police custody. As India gained independence in 1947, the task ahead of the nationalists was to rebuild the nation on its own terms.

In an independent India, Shri Baranwal went to Patna University where besides studies he was deeply entrenched in the student political movement. He was leader of the students’ Congress. He also took part in RSS Satyagraha Movement in 1948 and later joined the Indian National Congress, drawn by the movement of nation building.

Shri Baranwal had deep respect for the armed forces as he was aware of the sacrifices that soldiers make and how important they were in the security of the young nation. It was then that he came up with this idea of connecting the armed forces personnel with the society at large, the requirements of the armed forces personnel in terms of equipment and other support, etc. At that point of time, there was no source of information from where one could draw.

Flagship launched

In 1964, that is 50 years back, Shri Baranwal came up with this brilliant idea of starting a publication which would throw light on matters military. Thus was born Guide Publications (later rechristened by Mr. Jayant Baranwal) as SP Guide Publications as a tribute to the founding father. Those days there was no defence publication on Indian military per se, forget about the Internet, to refer to. A journalist to the core, he dug up information, connecting with armed forces personnel and other experts and came up with the first ever Military Yearbook in 1965 (which was renamed as SP’s Military Yearbook in 2003).

It is the most comprehensive book on military information with specific reference to an emergent India. The endeavour met with high acclaim from all quarters as it fulfilled a long felt need in the area of defence. Over the decades, it has been acknowledged as an indispensable reference document with comprehensive details of the armed forces of nearly 40 countries in Asia and Africa.

The baton passes on

In 1990, Shri Baranwal passed away, leaving behind a rich legacy imbued with his integrity, principles and unflinching adherence to truth that continue to inspire SP Guide Publications. Mr. Jayant Baranwal came to the helm of affairs early on in life and he has steered the company to greater heights. Growing organically, the group has, at regular intervals, come out with niche magazines which have addressed the needs of the domain. Along with the flagship product SP’s Military Yearbook, the group now has six other publications – SP’s Aviation, SP’s AirBuz, SP’s Land Forces, SP’s Naval Forces, SP’s M.A.I., and SP’s ShowNews. The bouquet of publications has made the group a comprehensive domain-specific media house, unmatched by any other group.

The global reach of all its publications are a testimony to its growing presence and its publications are internationally audited. The magazines are driven by high quality content, thanks to its panel of editorial staff, some of whom have held high posts in the military and in the industry. Former Generals such as V.P. Malik, N.C. Vij, former Air and Naval Chiefs such as P.V. Naik, S. Krishnaswamy and Sureesh Mehta, Arun Prakash are regular contributors to the group publications.

SP’s AVIATION Takes Off

Developing on its core business, Mr. Jayant Baranwal launched SP’s Aviation in 1998, again a first in the Indian media industry. SP’s Aviation focuses on both military and civil aviation. It offers information and analysis that is cutting-edge and highly beneficial to the sector. The mantra has been to provide ‘sharp content for sharp audience’. In these 16 years, it has continuously evolved in every which way – editorial, distribution, networking, etc. It is the only magazine to give the ‘right mix’ of military and civil aviation, all written by acclaimed experts and seasoned journalists.

SP’s LAND FORCES comes into reckoning

In 2004, the group became the first entity to bring out an exclusive publication—SP’s Land Forces—for the army. SP’s Land Forces is a bimonthly magazine exclusively dedicated to land forces. It provides a comprehensive scenario of the armed forces not just in India, but also the Asia-Pacific region. It has the distinction of being the first truly army journal in the world.

SP’s NAVAL FORCES sets sail

Adding to its portfolio of magazines, SP Guide Publications launched in 2006 the SP’s Naval Forces which is the one and only magazine dedicated to the navies of the world from the region. On a bimonthly basis, it endeavours to provide a sea of information on naval trends, technologies, markets and analysis.

SP’s AIRBUZ creates a buzz in civil aviation

To give a clear focus on the developments, trends and news about civil aviation, not just in India but also around the world, SP Guide Publications launched in 2008 SP’s AirBuz. It is a forward-looking and resource-rich magazine on civil aviation sector, further opening up the potential for growth not just in India but across Asia.

SP’s M.A.I. gives insight into defence and Security

With changing security scenario globally and the importance of homeland security becoming accentuated, Mr. Jayant Baranwal launched in 2011, SP’s M.A.I. (military, aerospace and internal security). SP’s M.A.I. makes the group complete and focused media house in defence, aerospace and security realm. It is a fortnightly which provides quick updates and analysis on securing a nation. On a fortnightly basis, besides quick news, the magazine offers incisive viewpoints by acclaimed experts in the field.

SP’s SHOWNEWS for ringside view

SP Guide Publications brings out SP’s ShowNews at key aviation and military events in India and elsewhere, thus giving a ringside view to the professional on the move. SP’s ShowNews are sought after show dailies at Aero India, Defexpo and India Aviation. We now intend moving beyond borders and offer SP’s ShowNews at other international events.

In step with the indu stry

The visionary leadership of Mr. Jayant Baranwal has seen that the group has gone beyond publication. It is a very active partner with the industry and industry organisations. As a responsible publication group, SP Guide Publications has been partnering with the industry and the military in organising events, conferences and other related activities which go to enhance the thinking process. SP Guide Publications has created a record of sorts by being the one and only publication to become the ‘Key Official Media Partner’ for successive events such as Aero India, India Aviation, Defexpo, among others.

Proactive Indu stry Player

As a proactive industry player, SP Guide Publications is a member of several organisations such as the NBAA (National Business Aviation Association) of USA, the Business Aircraft Operators Association (BAOA) of India, etc. On a regular basis, in coordination with various industry bodies, SP Guide Publications is conducting seminars, international conferences and other networking events, thus glued to industry needs and creating platforms for furthering knowledge and business.

CSR our humble contribution

As a responsible media house the group is involved in various corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities directly and indirectly. The group has organised blood donation camps and other voluntary services in the interest of society at large. The group is a strong votary of environmental practices which are reflected in the magazine. It is a never-ending journey and SP Guide Publications continues to push itself to the limits of excellence and beyond. All this has happened, thanks to the support of the readers, the armed forces, the industry, the government and professionals. We have scored 50 and look forward to a century and beyond.

Jayant Baranwal welcoming former Chairman of Tata Group Ratan N. Tata to SP’s Booth during Defexpo 2014	Ratan N. Tata congratulating with his best wishes on SP’s 50 years celebration message board	Phil Shaw, Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin India, conveys his best wishes on SP’s 50 years celebration message board.
Dr K. Tamilmani from DRDO congratulating with his best wishes on SP’s 50 years celebration message board	Vice Admiral R.K. Dhowan, the then Vice Chief and now Chief of Naval Staff, Indian Navy, notes his best wishes on the message board	Lt General V.K. Narula, the then DG Artillery, Indian Army, also notes his best wishes on the message board