Imphal/Delhi : The Hindu College, University of Delhi, has begun a unique Skill Training Program in Fragrance Formulations for Wellness Products for violence women in Manipur.

This initiative, spearheaded by the Government of Manipur, is being conducted by Hindu College in collaboration with Ultra International Ltd and the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) – Central Institute of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow.

The program is guided by a Supreme Court-appointed Committee led by the esteemed Justice Gita Mittal. This information was announced in a statement issued by Mercina R. Panmei, Staff Officer to the Chief Secretary of Manipur.

The intensive three-week program, which commenced today (June 24, 2024), combines theoretical sessions, guest lectures, practical workshops, industrial visits, and excursions. The program aims to empower 30 women from Manipur, including 15 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from recent relief camps, by equipping them with specialized skills in the fragrance industry.

The comprehensive training will provide participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Through structured sessions and industry visits, the trainees will gain the necessary skills to develop and commercially sell wellness products, ultimately achieving self-sufficiency and a sustainable livelihood.

Prof. Reena Jain, Vice Principal of Hindu College, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the program’s significance in skill development for the wellness sector. Prof. Anju Srivastava, Principal of Hindu College, welcomed the participants and emphasized the college’s commitment to empowering young women through such initiatives.

Dr. Vineet Joshi, Chief Secretary of Manipur, stressed the unique opportunity this program presents for the women, encouraging them to leverage it to expand their knowledge and achieve self-sustainability.

He underscored that the training goes beyond skill acquisition, paving the way for a brighter future. The program was also attended by faculty members and students of Hindu College. The hands-on training will encompass practical activities like extracting essential oil from citrus peels and clove buds, soap making, and preparing talcum powder, shampoo, and hand sanitizer.

Upon program completion at Hindu College, the Manipur State Government will further enhance their skills by facilitating collaboration with the MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) Technology Centre in Imphal. This center provides facilities like distilleries and labs, allowing the trainees to produce the very products they learned to make.

Furthermore, the Manipur State Rural Livelihood Mission (MSRLM) and the Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd (MHHDC) will manage the procurement of goods produced at the relief camps.

These government agencies, nominated by the state to support relief and rehabilitation efforts, will ensure that government offices source their office supplies from items produced by the program participants. This initiative aims to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for the residents of the relief camps.