For many references to the neighbouring country, which was recently involved in terror activity in India, has turned the crunchy biscuits of Karachi Bakery and the juicy Mysore Pak sour

Names, as it turns out, are dangerous things. They can trigger outrage, protests, petitions – and now, apparently, indigestion. Just ask Mysore Pak, the poor little sweet that has landed smack in the middle of a political food fight.

First it was Karachi Bakery and now Mysore Pak. For many references to the neighbouring country, which was recently involved in terror activity in India, has turned the crunchy biscuits of Karachi Bakery and the juicy Mysore Pak sour.

Surely, Shakespeare must be turning in his grave for writing such a false quote: What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.

How wrong? With Karachi as prefix and Pak as suffix how could the confectionary be sweet whatever it might be? For the bard of Stratford-upon-Avon a name may be just a label which doesn’t change the underlying essence or quality of something. But for those imbued with patriotic fervour it means a different thing altogether.

For many Mysore Pak is just a deliciously ghee-laden treat from Karnataka. You ate it, loved it, and maybe passed out for a bit from the sugar high. But now? Now it’s a threat to national sentiment—all because of that three-letter word at the end: Pak.

First it was Karachi Bakery under siege. Never mind that it’s based in Hyderabad and was founded by a Sindhi who migrated during Partition. The logic was simple: Karachi = Pakistan = Not Okay. Never mind the biscuits are more Indian than chai. The prefix alone is enough to make people lose their crumbly, buttery minds.

Now, in the sequel nobody asked for, we’ve turned our sweet wrath on Mysore Pak. Because – gasp – it ends in Pak. That’s right. Apparently, even syllables are now suspicious.

Let’s be clear: Mysore Pak has absolutely nothing to do with Pakistan. It wasn’t invented in Lahore, it doesn’t have a visa, and it hasn’t shown up on any border radar. The “Pak” in Mysore Pak comes from the Kannada word Paaka, which means “to cook” or “to make a syrup.” In other words, it’s the sugary glue holding the whole delicious thing together. It has more to do with your grandmother’s kitchen than geopolitics.

The great-grandson of the original inventor is now into the news, looking understandably perplexed, saying there’s no reason to call it anything else. “Pak,” he explained, also means “pure.” But try explaining that to someone who’s already halfway through a WhatsApp forward about how Mysore Pak is secret propaganda.

Some enterprising folks have suggested renaming the sweet as Mysore Shree, which sounds less like a dessert and more like a mild-mannered uncle who runs a printing press.

The man who gave us Hamlet didn’t foresee Mysore Pak becoming the real tragedy. Somewhere in the literary heaven, he must have choked on his metaphor. Shakespeare must be possibly Googling the word Paaka. Clearly, the Bard never faced the wrath of social media, or tasted the modern-day outrage that comes when a name sounds remotely foreign.

We live in strange times. Where syllables are suspicious. Where desserts are detained for questioning. Where sweets must prove their citizenship.

Let’s take a moment to imagine what would happen if we extended this logic further. Will Lahori Kulfi be deported next? Will someone try to rename it? At this rate, even jalebi might be labelled suspicious for being too twisted.

This is culinary paranoia at its worst.

Look, nobody’s saying patriotism isn’t important. But we can love our country and still let our sweets be sweet.

So the next time someone clutches their pearls at the mention of Mysore Pak, offer them a piece. Let them taste it. Let the ghee work its magic. And then gently explain: this isn’t political—it’s just dessert. If there’s one thing that can unite us all, surely it’s the universal love of things cooked in alarming amounts of sugar and clarified butter.

As for Mysore Pak? Relax. It’s just Kannada for delicious.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Telangana Today

Dated May 25,2025

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 The Abul Kalam Azad Oriental Research Institute at Public Garden turned into a literary haven as lovers of Urdu gathered to share and enjoy various genres of the language, known as Asnaf-e-Sukhan

       Urdu enthusiasts at the Sunday programme

Sunday mornings are usually reserved for family time. Some prefer to loll up in bed, while others remain glued to their favorite TV shows. But this Sunday, a group of individuals chose a different path.

They came together to celebrate the beauty of Urdu literature – through stories, essays, sketches, and letters. The Abul Kalam Azad Oriental Research Institute at Public Garden turned into a literary haven as lovers of Urdu gathered to share and enjoy various genres of the language, known as Asnaf-e-Sukhan.

The event was organised by Anjuman-e-Rekhta Goyan, an initiative aimed at reviving interest in the Urdu language and its rich literary heritage. The driving force behind this effort is Dr. Javeed Kamal, a retired Urdu professor and passionate advocate of the language. The session was conducted by Dr. Humaira Sayeed.

What truly captivated the audience was the dramatic reading of different forms of Urdu literature: the Khaka (sketch), Afsana (short story), Inshaiyya (essay), and Khutoot (letters).

One highlight was the humorous essay by satirist, Mushtaq Ahmad Yousufi, titled Aur Aana Ghar Mein Murghiyon Ka. Delivered with flair by Wajid Mohiuddin, the piece had the audience in fits of laughter. The essay humorously explores the chaos of rearing hens at home — from their unpredictable egg-laying habits to the mess they create.

The Khaka titled Naam Dev Mali by Moulvi Abdul Haq, read by Saima Mateen, also left a deep impression. It narrates the story of a humble gardener, Dev Mali, who faces a moral dilemma rooted in his honest and devoted nature.

The iconic short story Idgah by Munshi Premchand recounted the touching tale of four-year-old orphan Hamid, who on Eid chooses to buy a pair of tongs for his grandmother instead of sweets or toys, so she doesn’t burn her fingers while making rotis.

A romantic letter by Safia Akhtar, wife of poet, Jan Nisar Akhtar, was read by Rafia Nausheen, bringing a lyrical charm to the session.

Adding a humorous twist to current affairs, photo-journalist K.N. Wasif entertained the audience with his witty segment Khabar Pe Shosha. His clever use of real news paired with idioms like “Tabele ki bala bandar ke sar” was both insightful and amusing.

The Urdu Asnaf-e-Sukhan programme is a weekly affair. You can catch it every Sunday from 10.30 a.m to 12 noon at the Abul Kalam Azad Oriental Research Institute, Public Garden.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Telangana Today

Dated May  13,2025

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Who is to blame for the drop in the number of applications received for Haj 2025 and the subsequent cancellations by the selected pilgrims? It is none but the media, specifically the irresponsible sections of it.

This is what the Chairman of the Telangana State Haj Committee, Syed Ghulam Afzal Biabani Khusro Pasha, believes. He has squarely blamed the media – particularly electronic and social media – for the decline in the number of Haj applications this year and the high number of cancellations by selected pilgrims. Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, Pasha expressed deep concern over the role of the media in spreading fear and misinformation, which, he said, has discouraged people from undertaking the sacred pilgrimage.

Without mincing words, Pasha stated that irresponsible and exaggerated media coverage of last year’s Haj has severely dented public confidence this year. The panic created by the media through unverified reports has led many to fear for their safety. “As a result, people are backing out, even after paying their installments.”

He cited specific instances of misleading reporting. One such case involved the tragic death of two individuals who were stuck in a lift in Bihar. Although the deceased were not from Telangana, several media outlets incorrectly reported that two pilgrims from Telangana had died. This, according to Pasha, caused unnecessary panic among families in the state who had relatives preparing for or already on the pilgrimage.

In another disturbing example, Pasha referred to an incident in Afghanistan where a young boy was killed. Some media channels irresponsibly reported the victim as the son of a Telangana pilgrim, despite no such connection. “Such fake news stories, without proper verification, have created fear and anxiety among the public,” Pasha said. “People begin to think their lives and their families’ lives are at risk if they go for Haj.”

He also addressed the issue of transportation delays during last year’s pilgrimage. During the Haj period, traffic congestion between Makkah and Mina delayed pilgrim movement, a situation that was widely reported as a failure of the Telangana State Haj Committee. Pasha clarified that the delays were due to unavoidable traffic jams and had nothing to do with mismanagement by the committee. Nevertheless, the sensationalized media coverage painted a misleading picture of chaos and incompetence, further discouraging prospective pilgrims.

According to Pasha, the impact of these reports has been severe. For Haj 2025, the Committee received only 9,061 applications, a drop of more than 2,000 compared to the previous year. Alarmingly, 2,400 of those who were selected have now cancelled their plans, despite many of them already having paid the first and second installments. “When I asked them why they are pulling out at this stage, they told me they are afraid of extreme heat, overcrowding, and poor arrangements – all fears fueled by media coverage,” Pasha said.

The Chairman criticized the media for neglecting their responsibility to report facts. “Instead of motivating and supporting the pilgrims, the media has created an atmosphere of fear,” he said. “This is not only disheartening but also irresponsible. You should report the truth, not fabricate or sensationalize incidents.”

He was, however, clear in stating that the media has every right to question the functioning of the Haj Committee and highlight any legitimate concern. Constructive criticism is necessary and welcome, he noted. “But there is a fine line between holding an organization accountable and spreading falsehoods. Unfortunately, that line is being crossed too often”, he regretted.

Sending out a veiled warning to those who engage in such reporting, Pasha said, “You will have to answer for your actions in the Hereafter. Creating panic without verifying facts is not just bad journalism – it is a disservice to the community,” he remarked.

Acknowledging the power of the media, Pasha urged it to exercise caution and responsibility when reporting on matters of faith and public welfare. He appealed to journalists to present accurate, verified information that helps rather than harms. “The Haj is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey for many. Let us not rob people of that experience through fear-mongering and false narratives,” he said.

Pasha reaffirmed the Telangana State Haj Committee’s commitment to ensuring safe and efficient arrangements for all pilgrims and said every effort is being made to restore public trust and confidence.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Siasat.com portal.

Dated May 12,2025

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