Class 11 Summer Internship: DS Group ( Catch Factories)

Four students of class XI of underwent an internship programme with the DS Group from 2nd to 4th June 2016. The students Vrvyas Gupta, Faizan Saifi, Gaurav Prasad and Bedanto Sen, accompanied by their teacher Ms. Veena Ajay Kumar, spent time at three factories of the DS Group. The team started their internship with a visit to PravekKalp, an ayurvedic unit where they were given a warm welcome by the manager, Mr Hoshiar Singh. Mr. Singh took the students around and gave them a complete introduction of facility. The company has a unique variety of products ranging from herbal oils, herbal slimming tea and anti-allergic medicines, etc. A doctor on site explained how the different medicines and oils were prepared. He told them that great care was taken while processing the products to neutralise the effects of pollution on herbs and plants and extract their natural benefits to the maximum. A visit to the Catch Factory was also arranged on the same day where students got an opportunity to interact with factory workers. They were shown the different stages of production, from the selection of spices, to their grinding and packaging. Catch endeavours to use the best herbs and plants in their products. This ensures consistent quality and a therapeutic efficacy of the products, thereby providing guaranteed relief to users. A major U.S.P. of these products is that they are free from any form of microbial contamination or pollution. They use the Low Temperature Grinding (LTG) technology which prevents the evaporation of volatile and delicate oils from the spices. Catch Spices thus, retain the original aroma and wholesome flavour of authentic spices. [gallery link="file" columns="2"] The complete product assortment comprises of a variety of salt and pepper sprinklers and a diverse range of whole, ground and blended spices. Catch Spices are packed in food grade metal-lined cartons, flexible laminates and convenient composite cans, available in a variety of pack sizes. It was interesting to learn what goes into the making of a herbal successful product! On the second day of the internship, we were taken to the packaging unit of Catch. We were familiarised with the process of packaging. He explained that packing, is customised for the product, depending on its particular characteristics. For example, in the case of chips, they provide three layers of packaging, with aluminium being the innermost layer to ensure freshness and crispiness. We saw different packaging machines. In one case, card board was being fitted onto a roller to be moulded into a cylindrical container, while on another machine caps were being moulded for containers. After an interesting and interactive session at the packaging unit we were taken to the Funk factory, which is the clothing brand of the DS Group. The Noida unit of Funk Brand specialises in cotton trousers, shirts and tee shirts. We were told that as a marketing strategy, Funk products are sold only online and not in the open market. On the third day we went to the Rajnigandha Silver Pearls' Unit. Rajnigandha Pearls are made from handpicked green cardamom and coated with pure silver leaf. Green cardamom is very aromatic with a very wide range of uses. The plant has underground stems with leafy roots, large white or pale green leaves, pale green fruits and black seeds. The spice has a very warm aroma and fresh taste which it can retain for a very long time. It helps in countering acidity and is considered good for asthma patients. It can also increase appetite and be used as a mouth freshener. Green cardamom is blended with saffron to elevate the mouth freshening experience. We saw how zipped sachets were prepared and how the product was packed into them. At the end of our three day internship, we carried back an experience which was invaluable.   Mohd.Faizaan Saifi.