Date: 12th September, 2026, New Panvel
Navi Mumbai: NEXUS 2026 – Logistics Conclave, jointly organised by EEPSITAA SKILLEDGE and Pillai University, New Panvel, concluded successfully with leading professionals from the logistics industry sharing their knowledge, experience and career guidance with students.
The Conclave, held on 12th September 2026 at Pillai University, focused on the theme “Logistics: Careers, Skills & Opportunities – Today and Tomorrow.” The programme began with Saraswati Vandana and Deep Prajwalan, followed by the formal welcome of dignitaries and industry experts.
Dr. Samir Shaikh of EEPSITAA SKILLEDGE warmly introduced the distinguished speakers and presented an overview of EEPSITAA SKILLEDGE, its affiliation with the Logistics Sector Skill Council and its collaboration with Pillai University for industry-oriented logistics education and skill development.
In his opening address, Dr. K. P. Gopal, Registrar, PIMSR, welcomed the gathering on behalf of Pillai University and EEPSITAA SKILLEDGE. He encouraged students to listen attentively to the distinguished speakers, describing the Conclave as an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge from their collective industry experience.
The speakers highlighted the rapid growth of the logistics sector globally and nationally, with special emphasis on Navi Mumbai’s emergence as a major logistics hub, supported by ports, the new international airport, shipping, CFSs, warehousing, freight forwarding and allied infrastructure. They emphasised the growing importance of logistics to India’s economy and the vast career opportunities being created for young professionals. The guest speakers also appreciated the skill-development initiatives undertaken by EEPSITAA SKILLEDGE and recommended such industry-oriented programmes for helping students develop practical knowledge, relevant skills and career readiness for the growing logistics sector.
Mr. Shripad Kawathekar, Deputy Manager – Traffic, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), shared valuable insights into the port and logistics ecosystem and the opportunities arising from the region’s growing cargo and trade activities.
Mr. Salim Shikalgar, CEO, Globicon Terminals CFS, advised students entering logistics to be prepared to spend their initial years learning operations from the ground level. He stressed that strong practical experience during the first three years can build a solid foundation for faster professional growth.
Mr. Manoj Gawand, Head – HR & IR, PSA Mumbai, emphasised that working in logistics also means contributing to the nation, as the sector plays a critical role in keeping international trade and essential supply chains moving. He referred to recent developments affecting trade through the Strait of Hormuz while explaining the importance of resilient port and logistics operations.
Mrs. Amruta Mane, HRBP, Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd., urged students to first develop the skills and professional capabilities required by the industry. She particularly encouraged girls and young women to explore careers in logistics, highlighting the expanding opportunities available across the sector.
Mr. Subhash Rajkumar, GM – Operations, Hapag-Lloyd India, encouraged students to grab their first suitable opportunity and enter the logistics industry rather than waiting indefinitely for an ideal role. He highlighted the sector’s broad career spectrum and its potential to accommodate different professional ambitions.
Dr. S. Ganeshan, Head – Education Initiative, Logistics Sector Skill Council (LSC), explained LSC’s skill-development initiatives across India and guided students about various industry-oriented programmes and government-supported skill-development opportunities. He encouraged students to make full use of these initiatives to strengthen their employability and career readiness.
Prof. Vilas Pandhe, Academic Head, EEPSITAA SKILLEDGE and Director, EEPSITAA Shipping Pvt. Ltd., encouraged students to seriously consider logistics as a career option. He explained the enormous scope of the sector and the opportunities available across shipping, ports, freight forwarding, customs, air cargo, warehousing and supply chain activities.
Concluding the deliberations, Dr. R. Chandran, Director, PIMSR and Chairperson of NEXUS 2026, presented an overview of the logistics sector, its continuing expansion and its growing global reach. He encouraged students to understand logistics from a broader perspective and prepare themselves for the opportunities emerging in this dynamic industry.
The Conclave provided students with direct interaction with senior professionals representing JNPA, Navi Mumbai International Airport, Globicon Terminals CFS, PSA Mumbai, Hapag-Lloyd India and the Logistics Sector Skill Council, bringing together perspectives from ports, shipping, CFS, airports, human resources, operations, education and skill development.
The enthusiasm among the students was one of the major highlights of NEXUS 2026. Students were highly excited and motivated to hear real-life experiences and practical insights directly from senior industry professionals. They also actively participated in the interactive session, asking questions and seeking guidance about career opportunities, skills and the future of the logistics sector. The overwhelming response and enthusiastic participation of students have made NEXUS 2026 a much-appreciated initiative, with the Conclave continuing to receive appreciation even after its successful conclusion.
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Samir Shaikh, who expressed gratitude to the guest speakers, Pillai University, LSC, faculty members, organisers , MBA students and student volunteers for their contribution towards making NEXUS 2026 – Logistics Conclave a meaningful and successful industry–academia initiative.
