CH NEWS
By Shyam Sundar Vattam
MYSURU
Mysuru residents are outraged after sweet makers in Rajasthan renamed the iconic Mysore Pak to “Mysore Shree” in protest against Pakistan. The move was meant to symbolically oppose the recent killing of 26 tourists in South Kashmir, allegedly by Pakistani militants. However, Mysureans see this as a cultural affront.
Several Rajasthani sweet makers have begun renaming sweets ending with “Pak,” claiming it echoes “Pakistan.” But altering the name of Mysore Pak—deeply rooted in Karnataka’s heritage—has triggered widespread criticism.
Uma, a homemaker from Krishnamurthypuram, said, “How can they rename a sweet without knowing its history? Mysore Pak predates independence and has no link to Pakistan. It’s our pride. Let them rename sweets in Rajasthan, not here.”
The sweet traces its origin to the Wadiyar dynasty’s royal kitchens. Kakasura Madappa, the palace chef, invented the dessert by blending gram flour, ghee, and sugar. When the Maharaja asked what it was, Madappa called it “Mysore Pak”—a name that stuck and became a symbol of the city’s royal legacy.
To Mysureans, the dessert is not just a sweet—it represents identity, pride, and history. Locals believe the renaming is misinformed and disrespectful, turning a cultural gem into a political statement. As protests mount, Mysureans stand united in defending their beloved sweet. They argue that renaming it for political symbolism elsewhere undermines its historic significance and hurts regional pride. The message from Mysuru is clear: Mysore Pak is not just a name—it’s an emotion.
Senior citizen Prashanth Rao echoed her sentiments, brushing aside the renaming attempt as futile. Changing the name won’t affect the love people have for Mysore Pak. Its charm has crossed state and even national borders. The term Pak comes from the Sanskrit word Paka, meaning to cook or a mixture. In this context, it simply refers to a cooked sugary blend. Our Mysore Pak is linked to our royal heritage and will remain etched in our hearts for generations, he said.