Following the Indian armed forces’ targeted strikes on nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor, several businesses in India with names linked to Pakistani cities have come under scrutiny. Among them, the iconic Karachi Bakery, with branches across Telangana, has found itself at the center of controversy.
Protests over name spark outrage
Several activist groups in Telangana raised objections to the name Karachi, asserting that businesses operating in India should not carry names associated with Pakistani cities-especially in the wake of heightened nationalist sentiment. Calls for a name change were made, and in some areas, Karachi Bakery outlets reportedly faced hostility.
Displaying patriotism amid pressure
In an effort to showcase their Indian identity and calm the situation, multiple Karachi Bakery outlets in cities like Hyderabad prominently displayed the Indian national flag above their signboards. Outlets in locations such as Begumpet and Moazzam Jahi Market were among those taking visible steps to show solidarity with the nation.
Bakery’s origins: A partition legacy
The owners of Karachi Bakery, Rajesh and Harish Ramnani, spoke to PTI, clarifying the bakery’s deep roots in India. The brand was established in 1953 by their grandfather, Khanchand Ramnani, a Sindhi Hindu migrant who relocated to Hyderabad from Karachi during the Partition in 1947.
“He named it Karachi Bakery not as a political statement, but out of nostalgia for the home he had to leave behind,” the owners explained. “We are a proud Indian brand, operating on Indian soil, employing Indian people. We humbly request the government and administration to stand by us.”
Public voices stand with the bakery
Despite the criticism, many locals and social media users came out in strong support of Karachi Bakery. One user emphasized, “Karachi was once part of India. The founder simply named it after his birthplace. Some people in this country really need to think before acting.”
One user commented, “It’s just a bakery, let it be. This is not what Hyderabadis are known for.”
Another user commented, “Should we now rename Lahori Zeera too?”
The controversy has reignited debates around the impact of nationalist fervor on businesses with names bearing historical or cross-border significance. For many families who migrated during the Partition, names like Karachi, Lahore, or Multan are part of their personal and cultural heritage, not political affiliations.
