EDUCATIONAL FIELD TRIP TO HOJAI, ASSAM FAFAI had organized an educational field trip to Hojai, Assam in the North East of India from February 18-20, 2016. Assam is known for its tea fields, aromatic and medicinal plants such as lemongrass, patchouli, chamomile, palmarosa, citronella and vast plantations of sandalwood and agarwood. FAFAI endeavored to study the growth of these - used in perfumery and study their various aspects like their cultivation, their growth, their distillation process and their olfactory evaluation.

56 FAFAI Members from various parts of India and diverse verticals of the industry participated in this study trip.

Ajmal Perfumes, one of the oldest houses in the perfumery industry has launched massive afforestation in plantation of agarwood since 1979 and have currently adopted one million trees. Apart from this, Ajmal Group has also taken a lead in cultivation of Sandalwood.

Dr. Kanwal Deep and Dr.Moniruddin Ahmed explained in detail to the delegates the process the plantation of agarwood and sandalwood, their cultivation and growth.

There was a short presentation at Ajmal House on Agarwood by Dr. Kanwal Deep and on Sandalwood by Dr Moniruddin Ahmed followed by olfactory evaluation session. This session greatly helped the participants to understand the trade and production of agarwood and sandalwood and its oil, availability, uses, distillation process etc.

The delegation also visited distillation units and the R & D centre. Different natural products used in perfumery were showcased for olfactory evaluation at this center. The participants got an opportunity to evaluate all oils displayed .Participants could also witness live distillation of vetivert oil.

The Ajmal Foundation runs a trust dedicated for providing to the poor free medical facilities, primary health care relief, hospitalization and aids community development by efficiently running schools, colleges, an orphanage and other facilities

Participants got an opportunity to visit Haji Abdul Majid Memorial Hospital & Research Centre, a well equipped hospital in the underdeveloped area of Hojai.

They visited Maryam Ajmal Women’s College of Science and Technology, the educational institution of Ajmal Foundation. This college was established in 2006 with an objective to empower women to achieve a dignified place in society and to provide opportunities of learning to the deprived section of society.

The principal of the College, the teaching staff and the students of the college extended warm welcome to all the participants. FAFAI President Ms. Nivedita Assar addressed the gathering. She briefed the gathering about the activities of Association and thanked Ajmal Foundation for the courtesy and hospitality shown to the industry. She also praised Ajmal

family’s commitment towards social reconstruction through modern science education of superior quality and excellence.

FAFAI placed on record and profusely thanked the Ajmal Group for hosting FAFAI delegation and for their stupendous hospitality and courtesy extended towards the participants. Our sincere thanks to entire team of Ajmal Group who worked hard to make this educational trip a memorable one.

MEGHNA SHAH KARMAKAR

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