In a remarkable initiative to preserve Punjab’s rich traditional art and promote women empowerment, HMEL, in collaboration with the Nabha Foundation, has taken the indigenous craft of Phulkari to the international arena. The Phulkari Project, launched under the CSR wing of Guru Gobind Singh Refinery, has empowered over 300 women from villages surrounding the refinery with training in this traditional embroidery art. From March 19 to 23, 2025, a special delegation visited Dortmund, Germany, to participate in Europe’s largest creative exhibition – Creativa.
This international visit, facilitated by HMEL, aimed to showcase Indian traditional art, particularly Phulkari, on a global platform, gain insights into international consumer preferences, and explore potential partnerships in the handicraft sector. The visit not only marked a historic moment in presenting Phulkari at the global level but also gave rural women—many of whom had never stepped beyond their village boundaries—a chance to share their art with an international audience. The journey infused new inspiration among these artisans, broadened their understanding of global fashion, and introduced them to contemporary design thinking.
The delegation was led by Mr. Vishwamohan Prasad, Head CSR, HMEL Bathinda, and Ms. Shubhra Singh, Executive Director, The Nabha Foundation. It included four master trainers from villages near the refinery—Satveer Kaur from Ramasra, Manpreet Kaur from Mahinangal, Sandeep Kaur and Lakhbir Kaur from Malkana—who showcased their creativity and skills, leaving a strong impression on international visitors.
The Creativa exhibition in Dortmund featured over 700 exhibitors from across the globe, presenting products in creative arts, fashion, textiles, and traditional crafts. The Indian team engaged deeply with stalls focused on hand embroidery, ethnic crafts, and fashion design.
Voices from the Delegation
Manpreet Kaur, Trainer, Mahinangal:
"I was pursuing private studies from home and never imagined that one day I would represent India in Germany. Joining HMEL’s Phulkari Project gave me not just a skill but a new identity as a trainer. At the exhibition, I learned how traditional Indian embroidery like Phulkari can be paired with contemporary designs to appeal globally. I now aim to educate more women in our village so Phulkari can flourish on the national stage."
Sandeep Kaur, Trainer, Malkana:
"I once dreamed of studying abroad, but Phulkari training in my own village changed my perspective. Through HMEL and the Nabha Foundation, I found purpose at home. As a trainer, I help others grow, and the Germany exposure visit gave me global insight. We also participated in a prestigious 'Bag Making Workshop' and experienced firsthand the aesthetics and design processes shaping global fashion."
Satveer Kaur, Trainer, Ramasra:
"Like many ordinary women, I used to do stitching at home. I never imagined Phulkari would give me a new identity. Inspired by a piece my grandmother gave me at my wedding, I learned the craft. HMEL and the Nabha Foundation helped me become a trainer, and this international exposure in Germany was a life-changing experience. We distributed handmade Phulkari bookmarks during cultural exchanges, which were highly appreciated and sparked meaningful conversations with designers about the artistic and cultural significance of Indian embroidery."
The team also visited major international fashion outlets in Dortmund and Cologne, observing summer fashion trends such as breathable fabrics, minimalist designs, and natural colors. Garments like crop shirts, linen dresses, short jackets, and side-slit skirts were in high demand. Their visits to boutique fashion stores in Cologne offered deep insights into German regional fashion, reinforcing the idea that India’s traditional embroidery, if blended with modern styles, holds immense potential in the global market.
In addition to professional engagements, the delegation toured the iconic BVB National Stadium and explored the cultural richness of Cologne city, gaining exposure to German lifestyle, urban aesthetics, and cultural sensibilities. The visit proved immensely enriching—not only from a business and creative perspective, but also culturally and personally for the participants.