Commander Shrawan Kapila (R), national head of Jeena & Company’s defence & aerospace. (Photo: Jeena & Company)
India’s freight logistics sector reflects national growth and resilience. After Independence, state control dominated until 1991’s economic liberalization sparked private investment and modernization. With India-Pakistan border tensions rising, logistics infrastructure becomes strategically vital beyond economics – a pillar of national preparedness.
Jeena & Company, with 125+ years’ of experience, mirrors India’s journey from colonial constraints to self-reliance. As one of the oldest logistics firms, Jeena has shaped critical defence and aerospace supply chains.
In this conversation, Commander Shrawan Kapila (retired), Jeena’s defence & aerospace national head and Indian Navy veteran, and Sayan Chatterjee explore how the company navigates uncertainty while maintaining purpose, innovation, and values.
Sayan Chatterjee: How did the socio-economic climate of the 1900s influence the founding vision of Jeena & Company?
Cdr Shrawan Kapila (R): In 1900, Jeena & Company emerged during an era defined by colonial trade and early industrialization in India. The socio-economic conditions of the time called for structured freight forwarding and customs clearance services. Jeena answered this need by pioneering organised logistics in India, providing reliable and scalable solutions that supported India’s evolving trade requirements. The company was established by visionary entrepreneurs Pallonji Katgara and Jamshedji Dastoor, who recognized the opportunity to professionalize freight forwarding services in India.
SC: How does the company preserve and honor its century-old heritage in today’s fast-paced digital age?
Cdr SK(R): Jeena preserves its heritage through a balanced approach that integrates traditional values with modern branding and practices. The company celebrated its 125th anniversary with a renewed commitment to excellence and inclusivity. Unique initiatives like sponsoring the “Jeena Legends” golf team exemplify the company’s effort to merge legacy with contemporary culture.
SC: What qualities have defined Jeena & Company’s leadership across generations, and how have they evolved, especially in the defence and aerospace practice?
Cdr SK(R): Jeena’s leadership has always stood for strategic foresight, adaptability, and client-centric thinking. Furthermore, the leadership is based on a strong foundation on integrity, consistency, and client trust across generations – this forms the backbone of the work culture and serves as the guiding light for the future. In defence and aerospace, the leadership has demonstrated exceptional agility, ensuring the secure and timely movement of mission-critical and sensitive goods. The company continues to evolve with market needs while retaining its core values.
SC: How has the company maintained continuity in its values while navigating through different industrial revolutions?
Cdr SK(R): Jeena maintains its values through every transformation by anchoring its decisions in trust, integrity, and service excellence. Technological changes are seen as enablers rather than disruptors, helping the company preserve its ethical foundations while innovating continuously.
SC: What specific technologies have redefined Jeena & Company’s logistics operations in the 21st century?
Cdr SK(R): A key technological leap has been the integration of artificial intelligence into operations. Jeena’s AI-powered Customs House Agent (CHA) software enhances productivity, accuracy, and speed in clearance processes. It exemplifies how digital tools are transforming traditional logistics frameworks.
SC: How does the company balance tradition with innovation in a field as rapidly evolving as logistics?
Cdr SK(R): Jeena ensures that innovation complements its heritage. New technologies are implemented in ways that uphold the human connection and deep customer relationships, creating a seamless blend of tradition and tech-driven efficiency.
SC: “We don’t count our years; we count the wisdom …” How does this philosophy translate into day-to-day operations and decision-making at Jeena?
Cdr SK(R): This philosophy manifests in experience-led decision-making. Jeena leverages over a century of industry insights to guide strategic actions, client relations, and operational execution – ensuring resilience and relevance.
SC: What role does storytelling play in shaping the internal culture and external brand identity of Jeena & Company?
Cdr SK(R): Storytelling is a bridge between Jeena’s past and future. Through narratives of its milestones, leadership journeys, and customer impact stories, Jeena strengthens internal alignment and projects a powerful, values-driven brand image.
SC: What strategies does Jeena & Company employ to consistently surpass client expectations, particularly in the defence and aerospace front?
Cdr SK(R): Jeena employs a client-first approach, especially in defence and aerospace. From customizing agile supply chains to ensuring compliance with regulatory norms, Jeena crafts precise solutions for each client. This has led to strong trust and long-term partnerships.
SC: How do you look at it as a Naval veteran? Do the civil street have the appetite to make the most out of a veteran?
Cdr SK(R): As a Navy veteran, I recognize a strong synergy and a number of transferable skills between military training and the field of logistics and freight forwarding. These include: expertise in managing complex logistical operations, leadership and team coordination, a rigorous focus on safety and compliance, agility and sound decision-making under pressure, high ethical standards and integrity, technological proficiency and innovation, as well as a consistent emphasis on cost-efficiency and resource optimization.
Regarding the second part of your question, it is my observation that veterans are often perceived primarily as suitable for roles in security or administration. However, it is important to highlight that the Indian armed forces instil a diverse set of competencies in their personnel. These skills – when effectively leveraged in the corporate sector – can significantly contribute to innovation, operational excellence, and leadership development. Key attributes include leadership and management capabilities, strategic thinking and problem-solving, discipline, resilience, and strong teamwork.
Given these strengths, organizations would benefit from integrating veterans into core business functions such as operations, human resources, marketing, and research and development. Veterans are well-suited to roles that demand long-term commitment and a mission-driven mindset – qualities that are critical to sustained organizational success.
SC: How are logistics architects trained to design solutions that are both efficient and emotionally resonant with client needs?
Cdr SK(R): Training at Jeena blends technical rigor with emotional intelligence. Architects are taught to deeply understand client pain points and aspirations, designing solutions that are functionally superior and empathetically grounded.
SC: Given the company’s long timeline, how has Jeena & Company adapted its practices to meet contemporary sustainability standards?
Cdr SK(R): Sustainability is now core to Jeena’s strategy. Paperless processes, optimized transportation, and eco-friendly initiatives have led to saving over 1,200 trees and reducing emissions by around 20,411 kilograms in one year.
SC: What is the company’s role in shaping responsible supply chain practices globally?
Cdr SK(R): By partnering with Sangti Solutions, Jeena now offers carbon tracking on shipments, empowering clients to measure and reduce environmental impact. The initiative positions Jeena as a catalyst for sustainable logistics worldwide.
SC: How does Jeena & Company envision the future of logistics, and what steps is it taking to be a leader?
Cdr SK(R): Jeena envisions a transparent, technology-enabled, and sustainable future for logistics. To lead the industry, it is investing in global partnerships, resilient infrastructure, and digital transformation.
SC: What emerging challenges in global logistics is the company preparing for today?
Cdr SK(R): Jeena proactively addresses geopolitical disruptions, supply chain volatility, and evolving regulatory demands. It is building systems that are agile, secure, and responsive to dynamic global shifts.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the interview are that of the interviewee’s own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of India Sentinels.
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