Karachi Bakery Owners Defend Brand Name Amid Protests, Assert Proud Indian Identity

In the wake of India's recent Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Hyderabad’s iconic Karachi Bakery has come under renewed scrutiny over its name. Activist groups protested at one of the bakery’s outlets, demanding that an Indian brand should not bear the name of a Pakistani city.

Owners Rajesh and Harish Ramnani responded to the backlash by reiterating their Indian identity and the historical significance behind the name. They clarified that their grandfather, Khanchand Ramnani, who migrated from Karachi to India during the 1947 Partition, founded the bakery in 1953. "The name reflects our family's roots and journey. It's been over seven decades, and Karachi Bakery is very much an Indian brand," they stated.

Appealing to state leadership for protection, the owners urged Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and senior officials to ensure that their business is not pressured into a name change. “We request the authorities to support us. People across the city are showing solidarity by displaying the Tricolour at our outlets,” they said.

Social media has seen a wave of support for the bakery, with many users condemning the protests and highlighting the brand’s heritage. One user pointed out, "The owner is a Sindhi refugee from Karachi. This name is a reminder of history, not allegiance." Another added, "This is misplaced outrage. Let our armed forces handle cross-border threats. This bakery is part of India’s post-Partition legacy."

This isn’t the first time Karachi Bakery has faced such opposition. In 2019, following the Pulwama terror attack, protestors targeted its Bengaluru outlet, demanding a name change. At the time, the bakery had to cover the word "Karachi" on its signboard and prominently display the Indian flag. The brand issued a statement then too, affirming, “Karachi Bakery is Indian at heart and always will be.”

Famous for its Osmania and fruit biscuits, Karachi Bakery has grown to become a cherished name in Indian confectionery, with outlets across major cities including Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Despite repeated challenges, the owners remain firm in their commitment to preserving the name, which they say symbolizes not just a place, but a personal and emotional legacy.