Hyderabad’s iconic confectionery brand Karachi Bakery has once again found itself in the eye of a storm following India’s powerful counteroffensive, Operation Sindoor, against Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7.
In the emotional aftermath of India’s retaliatory action, groups of activists staged protests outside the bakery’s outlets, demanding the name—derived from the Pakistani city of Karachi—be changed.
Amid mounting pressure, the bakery’s owners, Rajesh and Harish Ramnani, stepped forward to defend their legacy. They traced the brand’s origin to their grandfather, Khanchand Ramnani, who migrated to India during the traumatic days of the 1947 Partition and established Karachi Bakery in 1953.
The brothers said, “It’s been 73 years. Our grandfather named the bakery after his birthplace, Karachi, a city he was forced to leave behind. The name is a remembrance, not allegiance.”
Firm in their identity, they added, “Karachi Bakery is Indian in every sense—its ownership, operations and soul. We appeal to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and top officials to support us and not yield to undue pressure.”
Protesters have been placing the Indian tricolour outside bakery stores, branding the establishment with nationalist symbolism and misdirected outrage. In response, the Ramnanis have made a heartfelt plea: “We are not a Pakistani brand. We are proud Indians. Please stand by us.”
While the protests continued on the ground, a large wave of public support emerged online. Social media users voiced strong opposition to the name-change demand, reminding others of the deep historical context.
One post read, “The owner is a Sindhi refugee who came to India during the Partition. Stop this nonsense.” Another user remarked, “What’s happening is ignorant. Many Sindhis and Parsis left Karachi and made India their home. Should we go after everyone named ‘Karachiwala’ now? Let the Indian Army protect us from real enemies—pray for them instead.”
This isn’t the first time Karachi Bakery has faced public ire. Following the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, a similar protest erupted outside its Indiranagar outlet in Bengaluru. Protesters demanded a name change, forcing the bakery to cover its signage and put up the national flag. The owners eventually issued a public statement reaffirming their Indian identity: “Karachi Bakery is an Indian brand.”
Renowned for its Osmania and fruit biscuits, Karachi Bakery has grown far beyond its Hyderabad roots, expanding into cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru.
Its legacy is steeped in the rich flavours of tradition, sacrifice, and survival. Despite facing repeated challenges, the bakery remains a proud reminder of Partition-era migration and the spirit of rebuilding a life—and a name—on Indian soil.
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