Guwahati: The Orchid Society of Eastern Himalaya (TOSEHIM) celebrated its 5th Foundation Day on Friday at its head office in Daisa Bordoloi Nagar, Talap, in Assam’s Tinsukia.
The event reaffirmed TOSEHIM’s commitment to orchid conservation and biodiversity protection in the Eastern Himalayan region.
“Orchids are an integral part of our biodiversity, and their conservation is a collective responsibility, especially in ecologically sensitive regions like the Eastern Himalaya,” TOSEHIM president Khyanjeet Gogoi said while addressing the gathering.
The day-long programme focused on scientific documentation, conservation awareness, and sustainable cultivation of native orchids, and featured the ceremonial release of a landmark botanical reference book, Dendrobiums of Assam – A Guide to Identification and Culture.
The celebration formally began with flag hoisting by TOSEHIM President Khyanjeet Gogoi, marking the official commencement of the Foundation Day programme.
In his welcome address, Gogoi highlighted the society’s role in protecting threatened orchid species, documenting floral diversity, and creating awareness among students and local communities.
The central attraction of the event was the formal inauguration of the book Dendrobiums of Assam – A Guide to Identification and Culture, authored by Khyanjeet Gogoi and Dipika Rajput.
The publication was jointly unveiled by Dr Amarjit Saikia, Principal of BRM College, and Deepawali Kurmi, Assistant Commissioner of Tinsukia district, who praised the work as a significant contribution to orchid conservation and academic research.
The programme witnessed the presence of several eminent personalities, including Dr Parineeta Neog, Vice Principal of BRM College; Bibit Dinhingia, Range Officer of Bagori; teachers and students of the Botany and Zoology departments of Silapthar College; and faculty and students from Reflection Senior Secondary School.
Published by the authors in collaboration with TOSEHIM, the book documents 74 physically verified species of Dendrobium found in Assam, offering comprehensive taxonomic details, habitat descriptions, flowering periods, Indian and global distribution, and cultivation techniques.
Each species is supported by photographs, illustrations, identification keys, and complete synonymy, ensuring accurate reference.