2nd WISTA India Forum Receives Strong Support

 

On 23rd January 2015, the Royal Mumbai Yacht Club saw around a hundred dignified members of the shipping fraternity gather for the second WISTA Annual Forum, an event that lived up to the industry’s expectations.  The select crowd included long-term supporters of WISTA India and WISTA members, as well as members who flew down from Delhi, Chennai, Cochin and Bengaluru especially for this conference.

The program commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp by key dignitaries – Hon Mr Deepak Shetty, the  DG of Shipping who was the chief guest of the evening, Mr Sanjay Bhaty, from Kandla Port trust, Mr.Umesh Grover, CEO of INSA and Ms Sanjam Sahi Gupta, the President of WISTA India and Board member of WISTA International. After an interesting welcome address by Ms Sanjam which showcased WISTA International videos, the forum kicked off with the key note address by Mr Deepak Shetty, which enthralled the august gathering. Mr Shetty stressed on the importance of women participation and how WISTA India could help bring a more woman-centric outlook to the shipping industry and to help frame policies that would support the same idea.

An interesting Q&A session followed with Mr Anil Singh, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Subcontinent, DP World, who was felicitated as the WISTA Brand Ambassador. He spoke about the good work that WISTA India has been doing and enunciated why he believes in the association and the power it has to make a difference.

The highlight of the evening was the panel discussion on the future of shipping services – challenges and perspectives, which was enjoyed by all. The discussions were moderated by WISTA India General Secretary, Ms Shantha Martin, and saw great participation not only from the panellists, but from the audience as well.

The panel members included the top brass of the industry – Mrs.NafeesaMoloobhoy, Mr.Sabyasachi Hajara,  Capt.Dinesh Gautama, Capt.M M Saggi, and Mr Shanatanu Bhadkamkar. The discussions were theme-driven, with the panellists speaking from their heart about their experiences over the years, whilst discussing about practical measures to mould the future of shipping services. WISTA members expressed their gratitude to the panellists with carefully selected personalised tokens, and the dignitaries were given hand-painted works of art.

Mr Umesh Grover, CEO of INSA who was among the invitees, introduced the new Twitter handle of INSA,.Prof . Vatsarajfrom the SP Jain Institute of Management and Research gave an introduction to the courses offered by the institute, his experience as a teaching faculty in this industry where family managed business dominate, and how women played a central role in such businesses.

WISTA introduced its mentorship programme, and the mentors Capt.Sahi, Mr.Shashi Tanna, Capt.Rumi  Engineer  were given tokens of appreciation by the young members of the industry who they have been guiding. Capt . Dinesh Gautama was felicitated by Mrs Deepak Shetty with a silk shawl and a personalised work of painting.

The end of the formal session was marked by a live retro band taking over, while cocktails were served. The guests enjoyed a good networking session, which was later followed by a scrumptious dinner and more music and dancing. Representatives from all sponsoring organisations were present, including the Indian Institute of Logistics, Transworld group of companies, Seatech, MSC, Sitara Shipping and GAC Shipping (India).

Athena and Vanguard Logisitcs were the other sponsors and special invitees from the host port for the event, Kandla Port trust, were also present. The event was well attended and appreciated by all, as WISTA India garnered more support from the industry and made plans for a well-defined and structured growth for 2015.