India Cargo Awards 2023, held on 24 July was a glitzy affair, where the heroes of air cargo and logistics fraternity were honoured. The ‘Oscars of the cargo industry’, hosted by CARGOTALK, served as a platform to recognize excellence in the industry.
Ritika Arora Bhola
The India Cargo Awards 2023, powered by CARGOTALK, was a huge success, thanks to the entire Indian logistics and cargo fraternity for not only gracing the occasion but also for showing immense trust and confidence in us. Special thanks to the Chief Guest, Piyush Srivastava, IES, Senior Economic Advisor, Union Civil Aviation Ministry, for his insightful speech and splendid aura, which made the event even more cheerful.
Combatting a plethora of challenges and hardships during the pandemic, the logistics industry has truly come a long way. The sector, which never got its due recognition, became the backbone of the nation’s economy. After pandemic the hardship of the unsung heroes of cargo sector were acknowledged—as they continued with the supply of essentials, including pharma, medical equipment, perishables after COVID.
Such award ceremonies have become important and relevant in today’s times to encourage the agents. Also, such gatherings provide a platform to the industry stakeholders to collaborate, exchange ideas and create or renew their relationships. Such contributions lead to the growth, development, and advancement of the industry.
Face to face interactions foster trust, understanding, and camaraderie, leading to enhanced cooperation, shared goals, and long-term partnerships. The stakeholders could share their latest innovations, technological advancements, and research findings. This exchange of ideas could spark collaborations on research projects, joint innovation initiatives, and development of new technologies or practices that benefit the industry, say experts.
The nature of these gatherings encourages discussions on significant issues facing the industry. The participants also engaged in productive dialogues, shared best practices, and exchanged ideas to address common challenges, collectively.
Whether it is enhancing operational efficiency, adopting new technologies, or tackling regulatory hurdles, these forums provide a conducive environment for brainstorming solutions and developing collaborative initiatives, they add. gathers opinions of the industry stalwarts on their very ‘own’ India Cargo Awards.
Tushar Jani,
Industry & Govt play vital role
India Cargo Awards 2023 brought all of us together as a family, friends, competitors, and contemporaries. Industry and government have played an important role in our life, career and as businesspersons. We would never have reached where we are without the government’s support. Credit goes to industry stalwarts who have toiled hard enough to build a solid foundation in air cargo and logistics industry. Be it daily news, trade news, or Indian Cargo Awards, CargoTalk, the organisers, binds us all together through these awards. CargoTalk has a special place in our life. It is talked about in every forum and will be become useful as a reference book when we train young ones in the trade.
Vipin Vohra
Awards elevate status of logistics sector
In today’s fast-paced world where logistics and cargo play a vital role in global trade and supply chains, award functions such as the India Cargo Awards are extremely beneficial. Such events provide a platform to honour, acknowledge, and appreciate the hard work of logistics heroes who have demonstrated exceptional resilience and dedication during challenging times—COVID and resulting lockdowns. The logistics sector faced disruptions during the pandemic. However, the indomitable spirit of logistics professionals ensured the smooth movement of goods, essentials, and medical equipment across India.
Their determination and tireless efforts kept the economy running and played a crucial role in mitigating the impact of the crisis. Such events not only honour individual accomplishments, but also inspire others in the industry to strive for excellence. The cargo awards elevate the status of the logistics and air cargo sector, increasing public awareness of its importance and give an opportunity for industry stakeholders to meet and interact on key issues.
These events enable individuals to establish new connections, build relationships, and strengthen existing partnerships. By interacting with peers, industry leaders, and experts, the stakeholders can gain insights and perspectives on the latest trends and challenges in the sector. Participants can engage in productive dialogues, share best practices, and exchange ideas to address common challenges. Whether it is enhancing operational efficiency, adopting new technologies, or tackling regulatory hurdles, these forums provide a conducive environment for brainstorming solutions and developing collaborative initiatives.
Keku Bomi Gazder
Awards promote collaboration, strengthen ties
Awards play a crucial role in acknowledging and appreciating the hard work of logistics heroes. They provide recognition, motivation, and acknowledgement, while promoting best practices, talent attraction, and innovation within the logistics sector. They provide a platform to generate public awareness about the critical role played by the industry ‘heroes.’ Increased visibility can help people understand and appreciate the efforts involved in ensuring the smooth flow of goods and services. They inspire the professionals to find new solutions to challenges and strive for continuous improvement.
Such gatherings provide an opportunity for the stakeholders to meet and collaborate on various issues. They facilitate networking, knowledge sharing, collaboration, and the overall strengthening of industry relationship. Face to face interactions foster trust, understanding, and camaraderie, leading to enhanced cooperation, shared goals, and long-term partnerships. The stakeholders can share their latest innovations, technological advancements, and research findings. This exchange of ideas can spark collaborations on projects, joint innovation initiatives, and development of new technologies or practices benefiting the cargo and logistics industry.
Cyrus Katgara
Logistics experts deserve to be felicitated
When the world came to a standstill during COVID, people realized the significance of the logistics industry. It was this industry, which kept the goods moving across the globe. Demand for essentials and vaccines, testing kits, oxygen concentrators could be met due to the efforts put in by the professionals. They risked their lives to ensure the supply chains are not disrupted. Their hard work deserves acknowledgement, honour, and appreciation. Events such as the India Cargo Awards are a tribute to the cargo fraternity for their unwavering commitment, dedication, and support. Apart recognizing and felicitating the logistics heroes, the ceremony also gave an opportunity to industry stakeholders to socialize with each other. Such award functions provide an interactive platform where the stakeholders can discuss on issues such as policies, industry trends, technological advancements, best practices, and potential collaborations. Networking opportunities are indeed the best part of such gatherings.
M Afzal Malbarwala
Honouring trade leaders is great initiative
It is an appreciation and motivation factor for the industry to receive these awards for their hard work. During the pandemic, freight forwarders were the only persons who worked day and night supported the movement of pharma to various countries and moving other products to and from the country within different states. That has given an excellent name to the industry and our country, and it was an eye-opener for our industry, which got recognition from the government. Thanks to the government for recognizing our industry as an essential service. And honouring the trade leaders through CargoTalk is one more feather in their cap for the hard work done for the industry. We thank CargoTalk for the initiative taken to honour them. It is a good platform for industry stalwarts to interact, exchange, and share views. In this fast age, when people, who are based in different cities, have less time to meet and interact. Talking over the telephone has become the norm. Such occasions are great opportunities to meet old friends and industry colleagues and spend quality time discussing business and policies.
Shankar Shinde
Awards are a morale booster
Logistics is considered as the backbone of the economic growth. However, the sector has not been able to gain importance due to its unorganized way of working. But with the promotion of the same by the Union government and logistics industry, it has gained interest for existing players and attention for next generation.
The awards function provides outreach to showcase the strength of logistics industry to motivate the awardees acknowledging the achievement to inspire and motivate others to strive toward getting such recognition. Today’s competition provides scope with service quality and commitments and hence, such efforts will result into professionalism in the cargo industry.
The gathering created a common platform for exchange of ideas in an open environment and created/renewed their relationships. It also connected/reconnected members to understand each other and build confidence in renewing relationships to build a stronger network and confidence.
We wish India Cargo Awards a great success and are happy to appreciate the efforts to keep the logistics industry’s morale high. Also, experts play a significant role by regularly updating the industry with news on new concepts and innovations in logistics industry.
Xerrxes Master
Time to recognise unsung heroes
Logistics and air cargo are the wheels, which churn the nation’s economy. Hence, their importance cannot be over emphasised. We need to recognize our unsung heroes who contribute to the well-being and prosperity of our nation. The awards are a great motivator and inspire the rest of the industry to emulate and benchmark against the best of the trade. What better place to network and meet the who’s who of the industry under one roof to ideate, brainstorm and discuss matters, which needs immediate attention. Such award ceremonies serve as a platform to combine business with pleasure in a relaxed atmosphere and contemplate the future of our industry.
Yashpal Sharma
Promoting growth of cargo & logistics
Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the team of organizers of the India Cargo Awards. This is a unique all-India platform for the logistics and air cargo industry to celebrate its achievements, showcase best practices, and encourage further innovation in the industry. By recognizing the contributions of individuals as well as businesses, the India Cargo Awards aimed to promote the growth and development of the air cargo and logistics industry. What is also noteworthy is the fair and unbiased selection process, conducted online. This approach also allows the industry professionals to participate in the voting, leading to a diverse and inclusive representation of opinions.
Kamesh Peri
Promoting excellence, innovation in logistics
This platform holds value in acknowledging the precious contributions made by cargo stakeholders. I believe that initiatives like these are crucial for promoting excellence and innovation in our industry. The recognition we receive has served as a powerful motivator, fuelling our efforts to consistently deliver our best. This initiative not only offers an invaluable opportunity to applaud and honour remarkable achievements, but also unites the cargo industry as one big family. It serves as a significant platform for sharing our industry challenges, fostering mutual learning, and collectively celebrating our triumphs. I am privileged to be a part of this important event and would like to thank you once again for your excellent work in organizing the India Cargo Awards.
Satish Lakkaraju
Professionals dwell on important issues
India Cargo Awards recognizes the logistics professionals’ contribution to honour their work and boost the morale, thereby giving a sense of community. We have supported the awards function in the past and would continue to support them in future, for the encouragement and enthusiasm they instil in the community. The gathering brings together the industry professionals and decision-makers who get a platform to dwell and communicate on the issues the cargo and logistics industry presently faces and what they, as a community, can contribute to make the supply chain simplified for internal and external the stakeholders.
Chaitaly Mehta
A must to felicitate logistics fraternity
Awards are always welcome, but they should be given the right reasons and to the right people. There are so many people who have never been recognized nor the industry is even aware of their work because they choose not to be seen or do not have the visibility for whatever reasons. Many awards only go to the popular companies spread across several categories, which is unfair to the rest of the trade. I believe it is the responsibility of the award organizers to reach out to such companies or individuals and felicitate them. Then the awards make sense. If the awards are jury based, then it must be neutral. It is the responsibility of the organizers to ensure this, while selecting the jury. If the awards are popular based, then too equality should be maintained. The general atmosphere in any industry gathering depends upon the occasion. Award ceremonies always attract people, and it is good to catch up with them. Many deals have been cracked and sealed at such events.
Sakshi Gupta
Recognition is a catalyst for motivation
To celebrate success, triumphs and hard work is so important for all teams—whether it is in logistics or any other field. These are small, cherished moments and accolades, which boost our efforts when honoured, and are treasured for a lifetime.
Thus, I feel recognition and rewards are catalysts of motivation and we are thankful to CargoTalk for coming forth, year on year and taking initiatives to add-on ‘glitter and glamour’ to our air cargo and logistics supply chain with these award events and spreading smiles on the stakeholders’ faces.
Although our industry is competitive, it needs to be agile, adaptive, well informed and thrive on collaborated efforts as single cohesive force. Interaction and networking with our logistics family is needed from time to time on such platforms.
Besides, there are solutions we need from the Union government, which need to be sought after as ‘one,’ especially with a milestone target of 10 million metric tonnes before us. So yes, industry events where all of us come together, intermingle with ideas are very important.
Parvinder Singh
Recognising & celebrating achievements
These award functions serve as a platform to celebrate the exceptional achievements and contributions of individuals and organizations in the logistics and supply chain industry. By acknowledging their efforts, these awards motivate and inspire others in the industry, creating a positive impact on their morale and encouraging them to continue delivering excellent services. In today’s interconnected global business landscape, the awards play a crucial role in showcasing the importance of logistics and supply chain ops. They highlight the integral role played by these professionals in facilitating trade, ensuring the smooth movement of goods, and driving economic growth. We thank India Cargo Awards for organizing to recognize the talent of industry leaders.
Apart from honouring logistics professionals, these gatherings give the stakeholders an opportunity to meet and collaborate with each other. The functions serve as a platform where professionals from different organizations and sectors come together to share their experiences, exchange ideas, and build relationships. Such gatherings foster a sense of community and encourage collaboration among the stakeholders. They provide a platform for professionals to discuss common challenges, explore innovative solutions, and identify opportunities for collaboration. By facilitating these interactions, these events help in fostering a collaborative ecosystem within the logistics and supply chain industry, leading to improved efficiency, streamlined processes, and better service delivery. These events feature panel discussions, seminars, and workshops where experts share their insights and know-how on emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in the industry. This exchange of information promotes learning of professional development among attendees, enabling them to stay updated with the latest industry advancements and market demands.
Aditya Shah
ICA creates avenues for collaboration, partnerships
The India Cargo Awards are honour and acknowledge the hard work of logistics heroes who kept the cargo moving during challenging times. They recognize, motivate, foster networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. These functions highlight best practices and innovation, encourage benchmarking, and raise public awareness about the importance of the logistics industry. By celebrating the achievements of logistics professionals, they contribute to industry growth and improvement. Gatherings such as award functions provide industry stakeholders with an opportunity to meet, greet, and collaborate on various key issues. These events serve as a platform for professionals from different sectors to come together and exchange ideas, experiences, and knowledge. They facilitate networking and relationship-building, creating avenues for collaboration and partnerships. By bringing the stakeholders under one roof, these gatherings to discuss on industry challenges, trends, and solutions, fostering a collective effort towards addressing key issues and driving positive change in the logistics sector.
Pradeep Panicker
A testament to outstanding performers
India Cargo Awards is a game changer that recognizes excellence and innovation in the cargo and logistics industry. The platform showcases the work done in our industry. It is an acknowledgement of outstanding performers in this sector. I would like to extend my thanks to the organizers for their dedication, hard work, and commitment in bringing together industry leaders, professionals, and stakeholders to celebrate these outstanding achievements.
Amit Maheshwari
Encourages positive & meaningful conversations
Amidst unprecedented obstacles over the last few years, there were individuals who played a vital role in keeping the industry, and the world, moving. Award functions like the Indian Cargo Awards are of immense significance in honoring and appreciating such individuals and organizations that have exhibited exceptional dedication and resilience in the face of adversity. Such gatherings offer a unique opportunity for industry stakeholders to come together, exchange ideas, and collaborate on key issues. The chance to meet and greet fellow professionals, industry leaders, and government officials fosters a spirit of camaraderie and encourages meaningful conversations that drive positive change.
I commend the efforts of the Indian Cargo Awards in bringing together the fraternity and creating a platform that not only celebrates excellence but also acts as a catalyst for industry growth. I encourage everyone to participate in these events and leverage the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the advancement of the logistics sector in India.
Recognizing the industry ‘stalwarts’
The India Cargo Awards 2023 were organized to recognize the excellence, hard work, and success of everyone associated with the cargo sector whose efforts often go unnoticed—from a small container operator, EXIM trader, MSME agent, logistics service provider, trucker, to top airport cargo head, or airline expert. These awards, through their unique online voting system, aim to celebrate the large global players and the smaller, often unnoticed people. Most importantly, this award is also a benchmark for you:
- a benchmark not to let standards down
- a benchmark for excellence
- most importantly, a benchmark for always doing the right things.
Piyush Srivastava, IES, Senior Economic Advisor, Union Ministry of Civil Aviation graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Later, he also launched the yearly cargo coffee table handbook along with other industry veterans such as Tushar Jani, Group Chairman, Cargo Service Center, Cyrus Katgara, Partner, Jeena & Company, Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers, Afzal Malbarwala, President, ACAAI and Pukhraj Singh Chug, Founder and Chairman, Group Concorde.
The top gold winners included Pukhraj Singh Chug, Founder and Chairman, Group Concorde who entered the Gallery of Legends 2023. C K Govil, MD, Activair Airfreight India, and VP, ACAAI was honoured with DDP Trailblazer award. Sunil Arora, Regional Head, Air Freight India Subcontinent, Asia Shipping Transport Services won the Industry Ambassador award.
Satish Lakkaraju, Global Air Freight Head, Pharma, WIZ, Radar Ventures won the DDP Game Changer award. Known as Helicopter Lady, Chaitaly Mehta, Director, EKF Global Logistics Services won the Face of the Future award.
The musical evening also saw the industry experts from all across the country dancing to foot-tapping Bollywood numbers, while relishing delectables dishes with sparkling wines.
