Latest news with #MysorePak
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Bengaluru's hotel kitchens turn to machines for south Indian fare
Bengaluru: From soft idlis to crispy vadas, south Indian cuisine has always hinged on precision and a practised hand. But as the appetite for south Indian fare surges and skilled cooks grow scarce, Bengaluru's hotel kitchens are quietly adapting — by bringing machines into the masala. The city's hospitality sector is already seeing machines roll out vadas and stir up steaming pots of pongal. Yet, industry veterans say, full automation remains out of reach — especially for food steeped in regional heritage and family recipes passed down over generations. "South Indian cooks are particularly hard to find," PC Rao, honorary president of the Bangalore Hotels Association (BHA), said recently at the launch of the Media Day Marketing trade expo where equipment firms showcased new tools for the hospitality sector. "We have vada-making machines and pongal systems, but someone still needs to measure and feed the ingredients. It's not yet 100% mechanised," Rao said. Demand for bulk-catering solutions is driving part of this change and BHA president Subrahmanya Holla said machines are helpful where quantity matters. "We use pongal machines in large setups. Vada-making too is easier when it is automated. But not everything can be handed over to the machine. In a Mysore Pak production line we visited recently, there was still the need for a human hand to pour ghee and sugar at the right moment," Holla said. At Konark Hotel, one of Bengaluru's long-standing establishments, owner K Rama Murthy has implemented high-tech combi-ovens that use steam and dry heat to prepare dishes like bisibele bath, pongal, and pulao. "We can even roast masalas in it. But for shallow-frying, or making sambar and masala dosa, the machine has its limits," he said. Murthy, with over four decades in the industry, pointed to the difficulty in fully codifying south Indian culinary knowledge. "It's generational wisdom. You can't just put it in a syllabus," he said, adding that Indian food is typically made-to-order, unlike standardised continental or fast-food options. Some kitchens are also experimenting with advanced food technology such as freeze-drying or vacuum-packing to extend shelf life and preserve nutrition, but such methods remain costly. Impact on hospitality edu Meanwhile, hospitality schools are recalibrating their curriculum. At IIHM Bengaluru, students are now being trained on artificial intelligence-driven systems. "AI is streamlining kitchen operations — from menu planning to stock-taking," said Sanchari Chowdhury, the institute's director. "In fact, a Japanese restaurant here uses technology to remember diners' preferences—where they sit, what they order," Chowdhury, who believes Bengaluru's tech-savvy mindset gives it an edge, Sanchari said. She, however, added: "We have already replaced key cards with mobile check-ins. But even as roles evolve, the warm human presence is still crucial in hospitality."
Time of India
08-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Why would 'Mysore Pak' upset anyone? That 'Pak' is actually from Sanskrit
Why would 'Mysore Pak' upset anyone? That 'Pak' is actually from Sanskrit Abhishek Avtans Jun 8, 2025, 14:10 IST India has over 424 distinct languages. But this diversity is under strain as language wars start turning bitter Languages can either foster peace and understanding or serve as tools for conflict and division. In India, they are increasingly being weaponised. For instance, amid tensions with Pakistan , some shopkeepers in Jaipur renamed sweets like Mysore Pak and Moti Pak to Mysore Shree and Moti Shree, erroneously assuming the word 'pak' (meaning 'sacred' in Persian) to be of foreign origin. Ironically, in the case of these sweets, 'pak' is rooted in the Sanskrit term 'pakva' (meaning 'cooked'), with cognates in several Indian languages, including Kannada.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Who's afraid of Mysore Pak? The bitter taste of India's language wars
Languages can either foster peace and understanding or serve as tools for conflict and division. In India, they are increasingly being weaponised. For instance, amid tensions with Pakistan, some shopkeepers in Jaipur renamed sweets like Mysore Pak and Moti Pak to Mysore Shree and Moti Shree, erroneously assuming the word 'pak' (meaning 'sacred' in Persian) to be of foreign origin. Ironically, in the case of these sweets, 'pak' is rooted in the Sanskrit term 'pakva' (meaning 'cooked'), with cognates in several Indian languages, including Kannada. On the other end of the country, Hyderabad's Karachi Bakery faced vandalism for using the name of a Pakistani city, despite being founded by a Sindhi Hindu refugee who migrated from Karachi in 1947. Such acts of linguistic intolerance are not isolated but part of a larger pattern where language is being used to fuel differences. Kamal Haasan's remark that Kannada is born out of Tamil sparked a row Words of Arabic origin, such as jihad (spiritual struggle), halala (permissible), talaq (divorce), sharia (Islamic law), and hijab (veil), have been used by political groups to marginalise and discriminate against communities. Conversely, innocuous Sanskrit-derived terms like bhakta (devotee), gobar (cow dung), gaumutra (cow urine), and mandir (temple) are stigmatised by opposing groups to demean and trivialise cultural practices and identities. Jai Shree Ram (Victory to Lord Rama) and Allahu Akbar (God is Great), once expressions of devotion, have been twisted into polarizing war cries. Forget humans, even AI chatbots like X's Grok have been manipulated to abuse and dehumanize people, communities and organisations using the 'unhinged mode' feature. More worrying than the language conflicts on social media is what is playing out on the streets. Skirmishes have been reported in several cities with migrant workers becoming soft targets for these 'language vigilantes'. In a nation where languages are deeply intertwined with cultural identity and pride, these conflicts over language use, words and signage strike at the heart of personal and communal belonging. But why is India's linguistic diversity — it has over 424 distinct languages — under strain? Among the reasons are the continued distrust of multilingualism by central and state govts, inconsistent implementation of the three-language policy, and the push for a 'one-country, one-language' ideology based on a European model of a nation state. Moreover, state govts are implicitly supporting this ideology of linguistic homogenization. A 2024 Kerala govt order mandated exclusive use of Malayalam in public advertisements and notices, prohibiting multilingual signs. Govts in UP, MP, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan have been actively replacing names of villages and cities perceived as Islamic with those reflecting Hindu heritage. In MP, for instance, Mohammadpur Machanai village was changed to Mohanpur, and Hajipur was renamed Hirapur. Critics argue that such renaming erases centuries of coexistence and shared history, while proponents claim it restores a pre-colonial identity. So widespread is linguistic prejudice in India that regional variations of a widely spoken language like Hindi are stigmatised. Hindi speakers from eastern states like Bihar and Jharkhand often face mockery for their distinct accents, word choices, and oral expressions. Their mother tongues, such as Bhojpuri, Magahi, and Angika, are labeled as crude or vulgar. By linking the perceived vulgarity of Bhojpuri films and songs to the language itself, the entire Bhojpuri-speaking community is viewed through a prejudiced lens. Similarly, though Telangana Telugu and coastal Telugu share a common script and a unified cultural history, Telangana Telugu has been treated historically as inferior. In films, Telangana Telugu speakers were frequently portrayed as comical or foolish. These linguistic, cultural, and social differences contributed to the 2014 separation of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. In fact, there is a competitive race among linguistic groups to claim the antiquity of their languages. A recent flashpoint was actor Kamal Haasan's remark that Kannada was born out of Tamil which sparked a sharp backlash. The Indian govt's 'classical' tag for certain 'dominant languages' — the 2024-25 list included Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali — has also become a coveted badge of prestige. These languages already receive significant budgetary support from both Union and state govts. Such official labels often end up intensifying conflicts and further marginalising resource-scarce minority languages like Tulu, Bhili, Gondi, Santali, Dogri, Angami, Lotha, Mizo, Garo, Khasi, Badaga, Irula etc. Far from being a unifying force, languages have become tools of polarisation in electoral politics. If India is to uphold its democratic ideals, the embrace of multilingualism must be more than symbolic. It must be actively nurtured, through policy, education, and public discourse. Languages are not just a medium of communication; they are the essence of identity, culture, and coexistence. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- 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
28-05-2025
- 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.
