Latest news with #MysorePak
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Fears of displacement linked to community ties and a fading way of life
1 2 Mumbai: Dharavi is not only a melting pot of various religions but of multiple cottage industries. The settlement likely came up in 1884 when the British moved tanneries and "polluting units" outside the main city limits. Tamilians were the first to arrive here after the original Koli inhabitants and the potters of Kumbharwada. Today natives of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar form a sizable number too. From leather to textiles, pottery to papads, trades are helmed by specific communities. Small home enterprises, many owned by women, roll out heaps of papads that are supplied to retail chains. Mysore Pak, a favourite South Indian sweet, is made and sold here as are bakery items and farsan. Men work as drivers for app cabs, or run shops or do menial labour. Extended families stay in close proximity, having built tall structures, sometimes circumventing the rules. The prospect of redevelopment does bring hope of better housing for those who will be rehabilitated there. However, others who fear displacement cite not only loss of homes, but businesses and community ties. The loss of intangible heritage involves community shrines, schools, even Rajinikanth fan clubs whose members would wait for Thalaivar's film to release at Aurora Cinema, and arrive to perform milk 'abhishek' on his giant posters. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo "Dharavi's economy and society flourished with the arrival of Tamilians who built temples, theatres, businesses. Although many families have now migrated northward to Chembur, Virar, Nallasopara, Kalyan-Dombivli, the community still dominates the area. Various Sanghams belonging to different sub sects celebrate festivals like Pongal, Ganeshotsav and Diwali," said M Jesuraj, president incharge of the DMK in Mumbai. Maran Nayagam, general secretary of The Bombay South Indian Adi Dravid Mahajan Sangh, who was born and raised in Dharavi, cites a list of landmarks including a 150-year-old Ganesh temple whose existence is under threat. "Will it be preserved or rebuilt, and will its priests and caretakers be displaced or be able to continue worship?" Nayagam, who is chairman of an educational trust, says the local schools which provide cheap education to poor Tamil students are similarly sacred and valuable. Basheer Shaikh, secretary of a mosque, says Dharavi is a close knit community. "We all look out for each other. During the pandemic, our mosque and several other institutions and NGOs served food to hundreds of people. Nobody asked if you were Hindu or Muslim. We live like brothers, like a mini India." Rev. Prabhu J, pastor of Good Shepherd Church which has about 5,800 subscribers, says, "People of all faiths live in peace because of interdependence. They live in very close proximity, sharing common toilets and public spaces, living in narrow lanes where houses are set cheek by jowl. We share food and sweets during festivals. People lived in mixed communities. And the diversity is not limited to religion but within the same religion also. " Indeed, there are Thevar and Nadar enclaves among Tamilians within Dharavi. Rev Prabhu voices the fears of the flock. "Do you know, when Covid-19 struck, 20% of Dharavi's inhabitants were forced to return to their villages? They live in rented homes and were unable to pay rent. They live a frugal existence. Once redevelopment comes, they will shift to bigger spaces with better amenities, and outgoings and expenses will increase. Yet of course there is another segment which looks forward to bigger, better homes and improved quality of life. "
Mint
6 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Dry fruit brand Bolas in talks with Westbridge, others for ₹900 crore investment boost
MUMBAI : Dry fruit brand Bolas is in early discussions with private equity investors including Westbridge Capital to raise ₹800–900 crore in its first institutional funding round, two people familiar with the development told Mint. 'The investors are looking to secure a significant minority stake in the company and the round will be a mix of primary and secondary transactions," one of the people cited said. The promoters are expected to dilute a portion of their holdings, but valuation discussions are still underway. According to the second person, the capital raised will primarily go towards expanding Bolas' retail footprint in Karnataka from 80 stores currently to 150–200 outlets. 'At this stage, we would prefer not to comment on specific investor conversations or the details of any ongoing discussions," Bolas' co-founder Rahul Kamath told Mint in an emailed statement. He added that the company has witnessed unprecedented growth over the past few years, by significant expansion of its presence across three key pillars— healthy snacking category, direct-to-consumer retail division, and overall share in the Indian dry fruits market. 'As we look ahead, we are exploring strategic opportunities for our next phase of growth and have set ambitious targets for FY30 to establish Bolas as India's leading dry fruits-based healthy snacking brand," Kamath said. Westbridge Capital did not immediately respond to Mint's queries. Founded in the early 1940s, Bolas is currently run by a third-generation sibling duo Rahul Kamath and Rajesh Kamath. Based in coastal Karnataka, the firm is also present in Goa and Maharashtra and is engaged in commodity trading, processing and branding. It is among India's leading exporters of cashewnuts and coffee, and expanded into direct-to-consumer retail by acquiring Mysore Mercantile Ltd. Its edible oil brands include Palm Raja, Leader Gold, Prajwal, and Sun Taaza. The company also imports and processes almonds, pistachios, figs, dates, and other dried fruits. In 2022, Bolas also ventured into newer categories and launched a range of products such as seeds, berries, gourmet snacking options, honey and hazelnut to cater to the growing consumer demand driven by rising health awareness, increased disposable incomes, and a preference for convenient, nutritious snacks. It also forayed into manufacturing sweets such as Kaju Katli, Mysore Pak, and Ladoos. Also read: VC fundraising wave gains momentum as dealmaking rebounds, but caution prevails Sector trends Broadly, the dry fruits space has been bustling with action as consumers increasingly seek healthy snacking options to satiate their dietary needs for post-workout nourishment and other small meal replacements. Brands like Farmley, Happilo, True Elements, Yogabar, and The Whole Truth Foods have been the biggest beneficiaries of this shift by offering consistent quality through organised sales channels with better hygiene standards. While Farmley raised a $40 million round led by L Catterton earlier this month, The Whole Truth raised $15 million led by Sofina Ventures, with participation from existing investors Peak XV (formerly Sequoia India), Z47, and in February. Broadly, India is projected to grow from $9.3 billion in 2024 to $12.7 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 6.55%. Currently ranked the world's largest importer, India imported dry fruits worth $2.85 billion in 2023, according to a report by Indus Food. The report added that there are significant opportunities, particularly in the cashew segment. Also read: For the health nut who can't give up snacking—oats bujia and quinoa puffs Bolas' performance In FY24, Bolas reported operating income of ₹1,696.8 crore, up from ₹1,574 crore in FY23. However, profits declined to ₹27 crore from ₹47 crore the previous year, as per an ICRA report. The dip in margins was attributed to a higher share of low-margin palm oil sales and increased promotional spending. Bolas closed FY25 with ₹2,000 crore in revenues, driven by stable demand across segments and better realisations in the cashew business. ICRA noted that while Bolas benefits from experienced promoters, a diverse product mix, and robust supply chains, it remains exposed to risks such as commodity price swings, regulatory issues, and forex volatility.
India.com
7 days ago
- India.com
Spending 24 Hours Without A Map In Mysuru City – Where Will You End Up
Mysuru, which is also known as the 'City of Palaces', is a beautiful amalgamation of history, culture, and modernity. With its majestic buildings, sprawling gardens, and rich history, it is a city that carries a portfolio of tourism. But, what if I told you that one day you had to spend in Mysore without Google Maps and do not have any guide, just your gut and thirst for wanderlust to take the reins? Where do you think you would end up? For us, the answer is the allure of the city, its hospitable people, and the excitement of getting lost in unfamiliar places. The Morning: Relaxation At Chamundi Hills If you're in a new area without a map, you might start your journey by the first attraction that catches your eye or by talking to the locals. Most people living in Mysuru will always start their day by visiting the Chamundeshwari Temple located in the Chamundi hills. If you are fortunate, a sympathetic auto-rickshaw driver or a bystander may guide you in this direction. As you climb the hill, there is a sweeping view of Mysore below you. The temple of goddess chamundeshwari serves as a zenith for religious devotees. Another one of the breathtaking views is the gigantic Nandi cow statue located half up the hill. For those who navigate the city without a guide, these patterns can help with the region's spiritual feeling. Mid-Morning: The Heart of Mysore Never Disappoints Once you finish your hike up Chamundi hill, you will most likely make your way to the city center. The scrambles of streets that strewn throughout Mysuru are rather intriguing, and with no guidebook, you are sure to come across something of interest. Devaraja Market is unlike anything you will ever see – it's filled with flowers, spices, and the lively atmosphere of locals in each and every stall. You may find yourself buying sandalwood souvenirs or even trying out Mysore Pak for the first time, all while appreciating the energy of the city. Afternoon: The Palace of Mysore Will Restore Your Faith in Royals As the clock ticks further into the day, you may want to take a look at the stunning Mysore Palace. The grandeur and shine of the palace can easily be seen from a distance, even if you aren't using any navigational aids. The locals are always more than willing to help you make your way to the palace. It displays majestic Indo-Saracenic architecture which speaks of Mysuru's royal past. As you meander through its richly decorated rooms and endless designs, you will surely be left in amazement at the riches that the Wadiyar dynasty possessed. Lunch: A Culinary Adventure It would not be abnormal for your stomach to be growling at this point, and especially without any sort of plan, it seems you are left to your sense of smell. It is possible that the scent of Mysore's traditional food might guide you to some local place to eat. From simple dosa booths to elegant restaurants, Mysore's culinary landscape has much to offer. Do not be astonished if you somehow find yourself in a restaurant called Vinayaka Mylari, known for their famous dosas which melt in the mouth. Listening to the locals will most definitely get you the best culinary satisfaction. Evening: Strolling Through Brindavan Gardens Progressively as you go on, your spontaneous exploration of the city could bring you to the outskirts. These gardens are located beside the Krishnarajasagar Dam, making them a favorite for evening walkers. If you do not have a map at your disposal, you might have to depend on a bus or the goodwill of a stranger to find your way there. These gardens are beautified with musical fountains with surrounding greenery making it such an awesome place to relax. As night beckons, the gardens which are open for public viewing are indeed stunning boasting a site which makes it perfect for the concluding photo, and with it the end of your day. Night: Discovering the Cultural Heart of Mysore Mysore during the night feels like a city that is full of lights and culture. Most people who choose to stroll aimlessly without a map are most likely to witness local street performances or encounter some artist showcasing their skills. One may catch a glimpse of Mysore's love for art in the form of local music and dance performances that take over the city's evenings. No matter what you stumble upon, you are sure to experience the city's essence. Thoughts on the Journey Finding yourself in Mysore for an entire day truly sounds amazing, but spending 24 hours in the city without a plan sounds like a full-blown adventure. A stroll about the city with no limits to immerse yourself in the culture sounds like the perfect break. The sheer beauty of Mysore lies in the fact that no matter how many times you may visit the city, it never fails to surprise you. Be it a conversation with a local, a beautiful hidden temple or a quaint cafe, the city takes you on a ride full of unexpected and unforgettable experiences. Ultimately, it doesn't matter where you end up because the journey is what matters. Mysuru, rich in culture, ensures that every stop is a new discovery and every moment is worth remembering. So next time you are in this fantastic city, throw the map away and let the city guide you. You'd be surprised at looking at what you will find!
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First Post
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
Mysore Pak renamed to Mysore Shree: The controversy and history of famous sweet, explained
Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, some confectioners in Rajasthan's Jaipur are taking their patriotism one step further — renaming the renowned Mysore Pak as Mysore Shree. But does the famous Indian dessert have any connection to the neighbouring nation? read more What's in a name, is the famous line written by William Shakespeare. And it still resonates even today amid the India-Pakistan tensions. Several sweet shops in Rajasthan's Jaipur have taken quite a patriotic stance by changing the names of their popular sweets — dropping the word 'Pak' and replacing it with 'Shree'. So, if you go to a sweet store in Jaipur, the chances are you won't get Mysore Pak, but Mysore Shree and you won't Moti Pak but Moti Shree. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The news comes just days after a group of men vandalised Karachi Bakery in Hyderabad, and raised 'anti-Pakistan' slogans in front of the shop. But does one of India's most beloved sweet dishes, Mysore Pak, have anything to do with Pakistan? Here's a look at what led to the famous sweet being named Mysore Pak. Sweet beginnings behind Mysore Pak Made out of ghee, gram flour, and sugar, Mysore Pak is a famous sweet across India and is traditionally served in weddings and other festivals of southern India. It is named Mysore Pak as it originated from Karnataka's Mysore (now Mysuru) in the early 20th century. The term 'pak' comes from the Kannada word 'paaka', which refers to the process of cooking food by heating, baking or frying. Legend has it that the sweet was first cooked up in Mysuru under the rule of Krishna Raja Wodeyar IV of the Wodeyar dynasty. It was 1935 and in the Amba Vilas Palace, where he lived, there was the usual hustle and bustle before lunch for the royal family. However, King Wodeyar's chef, Kaksura Madappa, was struggling to come up with an idea of a dessert for the monarch, who was also known to be a foodie. Madappa then cooked up a combination of gram flour, ghee, and sugar and served it to Krishna Raja Wodeyar. The king liked Madappa's preparation so much, he summoned him and demanded a name for it. When asked for its name, he called it 'Mysore Pak' — with 'pak' referring to a sugar syrup-based preparation in Kannada cuisine.' Legend has it that Mysore Pak was first cooked up in Mysuru under the rule of Krishna Raja Wodeyar IV of the Wodeyar dynasty. Image Courtesy: Pixabay There's also an alternate legend. One of the owners of Guru Sweet Mart in Mysuru, which is run by the descendants of Kaksura Madappa, has a slightly different take on the origin of Mysore Pak. According to him, Madappa was asked by the king to produce a 'different' sweet, one that would go by the name of Mysore. He adds that the cook used to be called 'nalapaka' - he who makes the paka, or sugar syrup. So he cooked up this dish and called it Mysore Pak. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But since its invention, it's become a huge hit and loved by many. As head chef and restaurant consultant Tarveen Kaur told the Indian Express, 'Over time, Mysore Pak transitioned from a palace-exclusive treat to a beloved household dessert. Local sweet shops began replicating the recipe, making it more accessible to the public.' From Mysore Pak to Mysore Shree Now, amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan as Operation Sindoor was launched, some stores in Jaipur took a call to rename the famous sweet from Mysore Pak to Mysore Shree. Anjali Jain, the owner of Tyohaar Sweets, in Jaipur is one of the many who have switched the name from Pak to Shree. Jain was quoted as telling the Economic Times, 'The spirit of patriotism shouldn't just stay at the border, it should be in every Indian home and heart.' Bombay Misthan Bhandar, one of Jaipur's oldest sweet shops, also renamed the sweet. 'We want to send a clear message: if anyone dares to go against India, we will respond in every way. This is our sweet, symbolic answer,' Vineet Trikha, general manager at Bombay Misthan Bhandar, also told the Economic Times. And it seems that this name change has been welcomed by customers. One such customer said, 'It may seem like a small thing, but changing the names of sweets is a strong cultural message. It shows we stand with our soldiers.' A display of the Indian sweet along with its new name, Mysore Shree, in a Jaipur sweet shop. Image Courtesy: X Name change leaves a bitter aftertaste However, the Jaipur sweet store owners' decision to change the name of Mysore Pak to Mysore Shree hasn't been digested well by the descendants of Kaksura Madappa, the man behind the sweet. S Nataraj, a descendant of royal cook Kakasura Madappa, who still makes and sells Mysore Pak in Mysuru, told News18, 'Call it Mysore Pak — there can be no other name for this invention passed down by our ancestors. Just like every monument or tradition has its rightful name, Mysore Pak does too. It should not be altered or misrepresented.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He further added, 'Wherever you go in the world, when someone sees the sweet, they should be able to identify and call it Mysore Pak. Nobody has the right to change its name.' Even Sumegh S, who is part of the family echoed similar sentiments. He told the media house, 'Mysore Pak is much more than a sweet. It holds deep cultural and historical significance for Mysuru and Karnataka. 'Mysore Pak is the pride of Mysuru, Karnataka, and the Kannadiga community. It reflects the sweetness of our people and the richness of Kannada culture. We only stand by the sweet our forefather created - Mysore Pak - which is now globally known. Do not drag it into unnecessary controversies.' And many others have also expressed their distaste for the name change. Taking to social media, one user wrote, 'The reason for this change among shopkeepers is 99 per cent WhatsApp forwards. And, ladies and gentlemen, introducing Reason 34, why you shouldn't graduate from WhatsApp University,' commented another. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Paka' in Kannada means sweet syrup —not Pakistan! But Jaipur sweetshops, in their infinite wisdom have renamed Mysore Pak to Mysore Shree. Because clearly, dessert names now threaten national security. High on patriotism, low on brains? Peak clownery #MysorePak — Gautham Machaiah (@GauthamMachaiah) May 24, 2025 Another said, 'Crowd pulling, Pak & Paak has a lot of difference.' And a third wrote on X, 'This reflects the limited understanding of religion and culture prevalent in the country today. Consequently, terms like 'Paaka Kala' may be misconstrued as the art of Pakistan, and 'Paaka Shastra' as the scriptures of Pakistan. High level of stupidity going on in this country.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies
Time of India
26-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
India-Pakistan tensions spark rebranding of sweets
Days after Karachi Bakery in Hyderabad faced vandalism and 'anti-Pakistan' slogans over its perceived Pakistani namesake, confectioneries in Jaipur are now making headlines with their own response to heightened national sentiment. Following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, at least three sweet shops in Jaipur are rebranding products, including the iconic Mysore Pak, by replacing 'Pak' with 'Shree' across their traditional offerings. What does Mysore Pak mean? The sweet, Mysore Pak, gets its name from its origins in Karnataka's Mysore (now Mysuru) in the early 20th century. The term 'pak' (or 'paaka' in Kannada) refers to a cooking process, specifically yielding a sticky sugar syrup made by simmering sugar with water. The term is entirely unrelated to the country name Pakistan Origin of Mysore Pak Mysore Pak was first created in the kitchens of the Mysore Palace during the reign of Krishna Raja Wodeyar IV (1902-1940). A palace cook named Kakasura Madappa concocted a sweet from gram flour, ghee, and sugar. When asked its name, Madappa simply called it 'Mysuru Paka' Call it Mysore Pak: there can be no other name Great-grandson of the royal cook, who invented Mysore Pak
