Recently, an exhibition showcased over 40 rare pre-Partition textiles that highlighted how Phulkari embroidery was deeply connected to women’s lives, traditions, and everyday culture in the region of undivided Punjab. These textiles demonstrate how phulkari functioned not only as an art form but also as a symbol of identity, heritage, and social customs.

About Phulkari

Phulkari, which literally means “flower work,” is a traditional embroidery style originating from the Punjab region, which historically included areas that are now part of Pakistan, Punjab, and Haryana in India.

The term Phulkari first appeared in 18th-century Punjabi literature, and some scholars believe it may have been influenced by the Iranian embroidery tradition known as gulkari.

Historically, phulkari embroidery was closely associated with family traditions and women’s craftsmanship, especially in rural Punjab.

Cultural Significance

Phulkari held an important place in social and cultural life, particularly in relation to marriage customs.

Traditionally, phulkari chaddars (shawl-like coverings) were an essential part of a girl’s wedding trousseau. These pieces were often hand-embroidered by mothers, grandmothers, and female relatives, sometimes beginning from the girl’s birth.

Young girls learned embroidery skills at an early age, and the number and quality of phulkari pieces often reflected the family’s social status and cultural pride.

Features of Phulkari Embroidery

Embroidery Style

Phulkari is a counted-thread embroidery technique characterized by neat, symmetrical patterns created through careful counting of fabric threads.

The embroidery often forms geometric designs and stylized natural motifs, producing vibrant and visually striking patterns.

Fabric Used

Phulkari is traditionally embroidered on khaddar, a handspun and handwoven cotton fabric. The fabric was usually dyed in deep colours such as:

• Madder brown

• Rust red

• Indigo

• Green

Threads and Designs

The embroidery uses brightly coloured silk threads to create intricate floral and geometric designs. These colourful threads produce a rich and textured visual effect on the fabric.

The Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC India) recently urged the Government of India to reduce income tax rates for non-corporate manufacturing MSMEs in the Union Budget and to expedite the payment of Goods and Services Tax (GST) refunds. The council argued that such measures would improve liquidity and competitiveness of engineering exporters, especially small and medium enterprises.

About EEPC India

The Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC India) is the premier trade and investment promotion organization for the Indian engineering sector. It works to promote exports of engineering goods and support the global expansion of Indian engineering industries.

The organization was established in 1955 and operates under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Over time, it has emerged as an important advisory body that acts as a bridge between the government and the engineering industry.

Membership and Structure

EEPC India currently has a membership base of more than 13,000 companies, of which around 60% are Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This large membership base reflects the council’s role in supporting MSMEs and strengthening their export potential.

Functions of EEPC India

Export Promotion

EEPC India promotes engineering exports from India by organizing trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer–seller meets, and international marketing initiatives.

Industry–Government Interface

It acts as an interface between the engineering industry and the government, providing policy recommendations and feedback to improve export competitiveness.

Support for MSMEs

The council helps MSMEs upgrade their manufacturing standards, enabling them to meet international quality benchmarks and access global markets.

Global Value Chain Integration

EEPC India encourages Indian firms to integrate with global value chains, which helps increase exports and technological competitiveness.

Research and Knowledge Dissemination

The organization publishes reports, studies, and market analyses to inform its members about global trends, export opportunities, and emerging markets.

Vision and Motto

The motto of EEPC India is “Engineering the Future.” It aims to position India as a major global hub for engineering manufacturing and exports.

Through its activities, EEPC India serves as a reference point for both the Indian engineering industry and the international business community, facilitating trade partnerships and investment opportunities.

Recognition

Due to its significant role in export promotion, EEPC India has been recognized by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry as a “Model Export Promotion Council.”

Significance

The engineering sector is one of the largest contributors to India’s merchandise exports. By supporting exporters, encouraging innovation, and helping MSMEs compete globally, EEPC India plays a crucial role in strengthening India’s export-driven economic growth.

The Supreme Court of India is once again being asked to rule on the long-standing controversy regarding the Parliament’s decision to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Lambadi community in Telangana. This issue has significant implications for social welfare benefits and legal recognition for the community.

About the Lambadi Tribe

The Lambadi Tribe, also known as Sugali or Banjara, is a nomadic tribal community primarily found in the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka in South India.

Key Highlights:

• Language: They speak Gor Boli (Lambadi), which belongs to the Indo-Aryan group of languages.

  • Important: Lambadi has no script.

• Religion: Most Lambadi are Hindus, though some incorporate animistic practices into their rituals.

Culture and Traditions

Festivals

• The community celebrates Teej, especially during Shravanam (August).

• During Teej, young unmarried girls pray for a good husband.

Dance and Music

• Traditional dances include Fire Dance and Chari.

Attire and Jewellery

• Lambadi women, known as Thandri, wear colorful red dresses decorated with mirrors and cowls.

• They wear ivory bangles and elaborate jewellery, reflecting their rich cultural heritage.

Tattoos

• Tattoos are common among Lambadi people, often carrying cultural or personal significance.

Significance of Scheduled Tribe Status

Granting ST status to the Lambadi community would allow access to:

• Reservation in education and jobs

• Social welfare schemes

• Legal protections and development programs

The Supreme Court’s decision will be critical in determining the community’s future access to these benefits.

Recently, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology in India advocated the wider adoption of steel slag–based road construction and repair technology, particularly in hilly and Himalayan regions. The initiative aims to promote sustainable infrastructure and efficient use of industrial waste.

About Steel Slag

Steel slag is an industrial by-product generated during the steel manufacturing process. It is produced in large quantities during steel-making operations, especially when electric arc furnaces and basic oxygen furnaces are used in the steel industry.

Steel slag is formed when impurities separate from molten steel during the manufacturing process. After cooling and processing, it can be reused in various industrial and construction applications.

Composition of Steel Slag

Steel slag mainly consists of metal oxides and silicates formed during steel production. Its composition generally includes:

• Calcium silicates and oxides

• Magnesium compounds

• Manganese compounds

• Aluminium silicates

The cooling process of the molten slag plays a crucial role in determining its structure, properties, and suitability for different applications.

Production of Steel Slag

Steel slag is generated in two major types of steel manufacturing processes:

1. Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) – commonly used for recycling scrap steel.

2. Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) – produced when iron ore is smelted with oxygen to produce steel.

Both processes generate large amounts of slag as a by-product of metal purification.

Applications of Steel Slag

Road Construction

Steel slag is increasingly used in road construction and maintenance because of its high strength and durability. It can replace conventional aggregates due to:

• Higher impact strength

• Better crushing resistance

• Superior anti-skid properties

This makes it particularly suitable for highways and roads in difficult terrains such as mountainous areas.

Environmental Remediation

Steel slag is also used for environmental protection and waste management. It acts as a barrier material at contaminated waste sites, especially where heavy metals may leach into surrounding soil or water.

Due to its high oxide mineral content, steel slag helps precipitate heavy metals from water runoff, preventing environmental pollution.

It has also been successfully used to treat acidic water discharge from abandoned mines.

Construction Materials

Steel slag can be used as a substitute for natural aggregates in construction materials such as:

• Road base layers

• Concrete and asphalt mixtures

• Railway ballast

This helps reduce the demand for natural resources and supports sustainable construction practices.

Importance of Steel Slag Utilization

The reuse of steel slag offers several benefits:

• Efficient recycling of industrial waste

• Reduction in environmental pollution

• Conservation of natural resources

• Cost-effective infrastructure development

Promoting steel slag–based technologies aligns with India’s goals of sustainable development and circular economy practices.