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The Hindu
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Heritage, hospitality and a heartfelt message: Miss World contestants get a taste of Telangana
Showcasing a blend of security, innovation, and culture, the 108 contestants of Miss World 2025 on Sunday were given a tour of two of Hyderabad's modern landmarks, the Telangana Police Integrated Command and Control Centre (TGICCC) and the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat. The event not only highlighted the State's safety infrastructure but also offered a taste of its heritage, hospitality and hope. The day began with a ceremonial entrance to the TGICCC by mounted police, whose stately procession set the tone for an extraordinary experience. A lively pipe band performance and a dog show welcomed the contestants, with Telangana's K9 units showcasing their training and agility. The visitors then explored an arms exhibition, which provided insights into the modern weaponry and protective systems used by the State's police force. Inside the TGICCC, contestants were introduced to the technological marvels that support the city's emergency response systems. From AI-driven analytics to integrated surveillance, the facility offered a rare glimpse into how Telangana manages urban safety with precision and innovation. The contestants then proceeded to the State Secretariat, where they were welcomed with the Telangana State anthem. A few contestants paid floral tributes to the Telangana Talli statue, before heading inside for high tea. Traditional Hyderabadi refreshments such as tea, Osmania biscuits and Karachi fruit biscuits were served, offering the guests a taste of the region's culinary charm. Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao said, 'This event gives us an opportunity to showcase our food, history and culture. Many participants have spoken to me and expressed enthusiasm about how Telangana has organised this event so far. We are sure the remaining part of the festival will be equally enjoyable for them.' Later in the evening, while addressing the gathering, Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao struck a poignant note, acknowledging the Gulzar Houz fire accident that had occurred earlier. He concluded his remarks with a message of hope and pride, 'You are currently in India's youngest State. Telangana is one of the fastest growing States in the country and we continue to move forward with determination and hope. Over the past few days, you have journeyed across our land and glimpsed Telangana. When the world asks where they should go next, we hope you say, 'Telangana Zarur Aana'.' The evening culminated in a drone show above the Hyderabad skyline. The illuminated sky narrated Telangana's journey through symbols, the Telangana Talli statue, welfare schemes like Mahalakshmi and Rajiv Aarogyasri, the iconic Charminar, and culminated with the glowing words, 'Telangana Zarur Aana' , a heartfelt invitation to the world.
NDTV
15-05-2025
- NDTV
Explore Hyderabad: A Guide To Hidden Gems And Soulful Experiences
What is the first thing that hits you in Hyderabad? No, it is not just the aroma of slow-cooked biryani or the sparkles of pearls in Laad Bazaar. It is the feeling that you have stepped into two worlds at once. On one side, you find a labyrinth of centuries-old bylanes echoing history and heritage. On the other hand, you find gleaming tech parks, rooftop cafes, and a cosmopolitan buzz. Hyderabad is rightly called the city of juxtapositions, where stories of Nizams and nawabs coexist with the dreams of coders and creators. The city has a lot to offer - heritage walks at dawn, secret lakeside sunsets, age-old qawwali gatherings, or a cup of Irani chai savoured where time seems to slow down. This is not your usual travel checklist. We have curated a guide to Hyderabad's most unique and soul-stirring experiences, perfect for those who want to explore deeper and slower. Photo Credit: Pexels 7 Unique Experiences In Hyderabad For Slow Travellers 1. Walk Through Time At Chowmahalla Palace While most tourists stop at Charminar, few truly explore the regal charm of Chowmahalla Palace. Once the official residence of the Nizams, this 18th-century palace complex is a quiet, grand reminder of Hyderabad's royal roots. Pro Tip: Go early to beat the crowds and enjoy the tranquil courtyards in peace. 2. Try A Paigah Tombs Trail Hyderabad's best-kept architectural secret, the Paigah Tombs, is a surreal experience. These intricately carved marble mausoleums, located in a quiet part of the city, belong to the noble Paigah family, wealthier than the Nizams themselves at one point. Pro Tip: Take a local guide to unlock the fascinating stories of these tombs. 3. Sip Irani Chai At Nimrah Cafe You have had tea before, but did you take a sip while staring at Charminar, with a crispy, buttery Osmania biscuit in hand? This is a ritual for many Hyderabadis and a must-try experience for travellers. Nimrah Cafe has no frills, but its Irani chai, local vibe, and Charminar-facing perch make it one of the city's most atmospheric stops. Pro Tip: Experience the sunrise - it is when Charminar looks magical. 4. Attend Qawwali Session At Dargah If you are in the city on a Thursday evening, head to the Maula Ali Dargah or Dargah Yousufain to witness soulful live qawwali. The music, the setting, the devotion - you will have one of the most moving and raw cultural experiences Hyderabad has to offer. Pro Tip: Cover your legs and carry a dupatta or scarf. 5. Explore The Rustic Charm Of Shilparamam A cultural village tucked inside Hitech City, Shilparamam is a curated crafts bazaar and folk arts hub where you can shop for everything from handwoven sarees to carved wooden toys and even catch a live dance or puppet show. Pro Tip: It is a great place to get your souvenirs and handmade gifts. 6. Boat Ride On Hussain Sagar At Sunset It might sound touristy, but the view as the sun dips below the city skyline is a vibe you don't want to miss. Bonus: the massive Buddha statue in the middle of the lake lights up at night, casting glowing reflections over the water. Photo Credit: Pexels 7. Hike Up The Golconda Fort Skip the usual guided tour and do an early morning climb up the Golconda Fort instead. The breeze, the panoramic view of the city, and the surreal quiet before the tourists arrive make it a memory worth cherishing. Pro Tip: Wear comfortable clothes and good shoes for the hike - it's quite steep. Hyderabad is a city that invites you to slow down and savour its many layers. From the echoes of history in its ancient monuments to the vibrant pulse of its modern streets, every experience here is a chance to connect more deeply with the city's soul. So, take your time, explore at your own pace, and let Hyderabad reveal its magic to you, one unique experience at a time.
Business Upturn
12-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Hyderabad's Karachi Bakery vandalised by social workers over name, police register case
By Aditya Bhagchandani Published on May 12, 2025, 13:11 IST Hyderabad's iconic Karachi Bakery became the target of protest on Saturday as a group of self-proclaimed social workers vandalised the bakery's Shamshabad outlet, demanding a name change. The incident, which occurred around 3 PM, is part of a broader trend where businesses with names perceived as foreign have come under fire. According to police, the group defaced the bakery's signage and attempted to intimidate staff while raising slogans demanding the removal of the name 'Karachi' — referencing the Pakistani city. However, no staff were injured and no major property damage was reported. 'We reached the spot within minutes and dispersed the group,' said K Balaraju, inspector at RGI Airport Police Station. 'The individuals involved have been identified and a case has been registered under Sections 126 (2) and 324 (4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).' This isn't the first such incident. Just last week, the Banjara Hills branch of Karachi Bakery was symbolically targeted with Indian flags being placed at its entrance. Established in 1953 by a family who migrated from Pakistan during the Partition, Karachi Bakery is a proud Indian business now operated by Rajesh and Harish Ramnani. It is famous for its fruit biscuits and Osmania cookies, with 24 branches in Hyderabad and presence in major cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai. 'We are an Indian enterprise. It is unfair to label us as Pakistani,' a manager from the bakery said. The bakery has faced similar backlash in the past, notably in 2019 after the Pulwama attack, when its outlets were threatened. The owners had then approached the government for protection. The latest incident is being seen as part of a recurring pattern of protests against businesses bearing names perceived — however inaccurately — as foreign, amid heightened political and social rhetoric around nationalism. Aditya Bhagchandani serves as the Senior Editor and Writer at Business Upturn, where he leads coverage across the Business, Finance, Corporate, and Stock Market segments. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he not only contributes insightful articles but also oversees editorial direction for the reporting team.
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First Post
12-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Does India's famous Karachi Bakery have links to Pakistan? Why was it vandalised?
Amid tensions between India and Pakistan, the famous Karachi Bakery in Hyderabad was vandalised, demanding that the confectionery store change its name. But why is the popular bakery named after a city in Pakistan? read more Amid tensions with Pakistan, one of the branches of Karachi Bakery in Hyderabad was vandalised, with the mob demanding that the name be changed. Image Courtesy: Facebook As India and Pakistan engaged in hostilities on Saturday (May 11) — with Islamabad launching drones and missiles across the border — the famous Karachi Bakery in Hyderabad was vandalised by right-wing elements, demanding that the confectionery store change its name. Notably, this isn't the first time that the brand, which is known for its fruit and Osmania biscuits, has been at the receiving end of hyper-nationalists in India, who repeatedly question the store owners' allegiance to the country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Amid this new controversy, we take a look at what happened at Karachi Bakery on Saturday, just hours before a ceasefire was announced between India and Pakistan, and the history of this brand. Right-wing elements attack Karachi Bakery On Saturday (May 10), an outlet of Karachi Bakery in Hyderabad's Shamshabad was vandalised by an angry mob of right-wing activists. Visuals of the incident show a group of men hitting the bakery's signboard displaying the work 'Karachi' with sticks and shouting slogans of 'Pakistan Murdabad' and 'Jai Jawan', alluding to Indian troops and Operation Sindoor. Men calling themselves nationalists vandalising an Indian owned Karachi bakery in Hyderabad. It's a 6-decade old Indian brand founded by founded by Khanchand Ramnani. Poor Karachi bakery that has nothing to do with Pakistan becomes the victim of idiocy every single time. — Anusha Ravi Sood (@anusharavi10) May 11, 2025 Confirming the incident, K Balaraju, inspector, RGI Airport Police Station, said, 'No employees at the bakery were harmed. No serious damage was done. We were on the spot within a few minutes of the incident and could disperse the members.' This incident comes just days after another Karachi Bakery store in Hyderabad was embroiled in a India-Pakistan protest. At the height of the conflict last week, protesters were seen planting tricolour flags at the Banjara Hills Branch of the bakery. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Moreover, a group of people protested outside Karachi Bakery's outlet in Vizag, Andhra Pradesh. A video of the protest showed members demanding the name be changed, claiming it was unacceptable to name an Indian business after a Pakistani city. The police intervened just in time, preventing protesters from tearing down the signboard. These incidents led to the owners of Karachi Bakery to reiterate its love for India. On Instagram, the owners of the famous store posted a message, asserting that it was 'proudly Indian'. 'Our name is part of our history, not our nationality,' it added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When Karachi Bakery felt the heat This isn't the first brush with trouble for the famous Karachi Bakery. In fact, each time there are war clouds over India and Pakistan, the confectionery store has faced trouble. In Mumbai, following the 26/11 terror attacks of 2008, both the Shiv Sena and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) took turns targeting the bakery. A video posted by Shiv Sena's Nitin Nandgaonkar's Facebook page showed him speaking to the owner of the store in the Mumbai suburban area of Bandra. The Sena leader asked the shop owner to change the store's name to 'something in Marathi'. The MNS even issued a legal notice in 2020. Eventually, under financial strain and continuous pressure, the Mumbai branch shut down in 2021. The MNS claimed victory with the party's vice president Haji Saif Shaikh writing on X, 'After massive protest for its name, Karachi Bakery finally closes its only shop in Mumbai.' Then again, in 2019, after the Pulwama attack — in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force troops were killed — Karachi Bakery's Indiranagar branch in Bengaluru was forced to cover the word 'Karachi' on its signboard following threats from a group of agitators. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What's in a name? The history of Karachi Bakery But what's the history behind the famous confectionery store? Does it have any links to Pakistan? Karachi Bakery, founded in a bylane near the outlet in Moazzam Jahi Market in Hyderabad, began in 1953 by Khanchand Ramnani, a Hindu Sindhi who migrated from Karachi during Partition. Ramnani's grandsons recount how the move occurred amid the horrific days of the great divide. According to them, Khanchand, who had a food and bakery business in Sindh, decided to move to India along with his four sons. At the time, armed with just a few recipes and the memory of his city, Karachi, Khanchand decided to name the store as 'Karachi Bakery' as an ode to the city he was forced to leave behind. Karachi Bakery is a well-known establishment in Hyderabad since 1953. It has often been the focus of protests during periods of heightened India-Pakistan tensions. Image Courtesy: Flickr As current promoters Rajesh and Harish Ramnani were quoted as saying, 'Our grandfather named it after his hometown. Karachi was where he came from, Hyderabad is where he rebuilt his life.' In the initial years, Karachi Bakery sold bakery and food items sourced from third parties. However, in 1960, the owner began selling handcrafted fruit and Osmania biscuits, which became an instant favourite of the people of Hyderabad. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It was only in 2007 that Karachi Bakery opened a second store in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. Today, years after being established, Karachi Bakery operates over 36 outlets across India in major cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Gurugram. It also exports its products to more than 20 countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and those in the Gulf. And even as some attack the famous store amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions, there are those who condemn it. One X user wrote, 'Every time something happens with Pakistan, this establishment is targeted by radicals. They are from Sindh, Karachi was once our land. Let's make it that way again rather than targeting poor Sindhi Hindu owners of this iconic bakery for cheap politics.' Another added, 'This is next-level stupidity. There are Sindhis, Parsis who all moved out of Karachi during partition. In fact, there are people with the Karachiwala surname. That doesn't mean you end up attacking people. Let our armed forces deal with our enemies at the border and just pray for them.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies
Indian Express
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Hyderabad's Karachi Bakery vandalised as protesters demand a name change
Against the backdrop of tensions between India and Pakistan, BJP members allegedly vandalised one of the branches of Karachi Bakery in Hyderabad, demanding that the owners change its name, Telangana police said. According to the police, the incident took place during a protest at 3 pm on Saturday. It was the branch of Karachi Bakery at Shamshabad which faced the protests. 'No employees at the bakery were harmed. No serious damage was done,' K Balaraju, inspector, RGI Airport Police Station, told The Indian Express. 'We were on the spot within a few minutes of the incident and could disperse the members of the political outfit.' This is not the first time that Karachi Bakery has seen protests. At the height of the conflict last week, protesters were seen planting tricolour flags at the Banjara Hills Branch of the bakery. While Karachi Bakery gets its name from Karachi in Pakistan, it is run by an Indian family, descendants of those who migrated to Hyderabad during the Partition. The bakery was founded in 1953 at Mozamjahi Market in Hyderabad. Speaking to The Indian Express, a manager of the bakery said, 'We are an Indian establishment. We cannot be branded Pakistani.' Karachi Bakery has branches in several cities, including Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai. In Hyderabad alone, the bakery has 24 branches. The most famous of its bakes are the fruit and Osmania biscuits. Earlier, the bakery owners, Rajesh and Harish Ramnani, had issued a statement requesting Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to offer them protection. In 2019, during the Pulwama attack too, the bakery was vandalised, police say. Following Saturday's attack, RGI Airport Police booked the protesters under sections 126 (2) and 324 (4) of BNS – wrongful restraint and causing damage to property. 'The board of the bakery was damaged by the protesters,' Balaraju said. No arrests have been made.
