Rooh Afza - An iconic Brand & India's multicultural Symbol of Excellence ©Rohit Singh Negi

Rooh Afza, often referred to as the "Refresher of the Soul," is a cherished beverage in South Asia, renowned for its cooling properties and cultural significance.

Rooh Afza: Remains an iconic symbol of timeless excellence through four generations that has transcended caste, creed, religion & borders. It remains a towering beacon of Excellence of Multicultural India. 

Origins & Purpose

In 1906, Hakim Hafiz Abdul Majeed, a Unani practitioner in Old Delhi, formulated Rooh Afza as a herbal remedy to combat the intense summer heat. Drawing from Unani medicine, he combined herbs, fruits & flowers to create a syrup aimed at preventing heatstroke & dehydration. The name "Rooh Afza" translates to "soul refresher," reflecting its intended revitalizing effect.

Expansion & Legacy

After Majeed's passing in 1922, his wife, Rabea Begum, and their sons continued his legacy by establishing the Hamdard Trust. Following the 1947 Partition of India, the family business branched out: one son remained in India, while the other established operations in Pakistan. Later, a branch was also established in Bangladesh. Today, Rooh Afza is produced by Hamdard Laboratories in India, Pakistan & Bangladesh, each adapting the original formula to local taste.

Cultural Significance & Variant

Rooh Afza holds a special place during Ramadan, commonly consumed during Iftar to break the fat Its versatility allows it to be mixed with water, milk, or incorporated into desserts like falooda Over the years, Hamdard has introduced ready-to-drink variants such as RoohAfza Fusion and RoohAfza Milkshake, catering to evolving consumer preferences. 

A Shared Heritage

Despite geopolitical divisions, Rooh Afza remains a unifying element across India, Pakistan & Bangladesh. Its enduring popularity underscores a shared cultural heritage, transcending borders and generations. 

© Rohit Singh Negi

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