What's in a name? Shakespeare's famous quote has become a topic of debate in Jaipur, India, concerning sweets. Several prominent sweet shops in Jaipur have started replacing the word "Pak" (पाक) in the names of their traditional sweets with "Shri" (श्री).
Jaipur: A new cultural wave is sweeping through the sweet market of Jaipur, the Pink City. The word "Pak," traditionally used in the names of popular sweets for years, is being replaced with "Shri." This change is not merely a linguistic decision but a cultural expression driven by patriotic sentiment. Sweets like "Mysore Pak," "Aam Pak," and "Gond Pak" are now being marketed as "Mysore Shri," "Aam Shri," and "Gond Shri," respectively.
Patriotism in Sweets
Anjali Jain, the owner of "Tyohar Sweets" in Vaishali Nagar, Jaipur, says, "Our aim is not just to sell sweets but also to preserve culture and nationalism. Regardless of the meaning of 'Pak,' in today's context, it causes emotional discomfort for many. Therefore, we decided that our sweets will now reflect the purity and Indianness of 'Shri."
She explained that this decision was made in light of the recent "Operation Sindur" in the country and the rising public anger against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. This step is symbolic and honors the sentiments of Indians.
Old Names, New Identity
Jaipur's renowned "Bombay Mishthan Bhandar" and "Agrawal Caterers" have also followed suit, deciding to remove "Pak" from their sweets' names. Vineet Trikha, the general manager of "Bombay Mishthan Bhandar," says, "Our initiative aims to send a clear message that India's culture and sentiments are paramount. 'Moti Pak' has now become 'Moti Shri,' and customers have wholeheartedly accepted it."
He added that this name change is not merely a business strategy but an emotional responsibility, showcasing India's identity and pride through their sweets.
Public Consensus
This initiative is not only supported by sweet shop owners but also resonates emotionally with the general public. Retired teacher Pushpa Kaushik shared, "When I first heard the name 'Mysore Shri,' I felt a sense of pride. It's not just a name, but a respect for our emotions." Similarly, local businessman Ramesh Bhatia believes that while this change may seem small, its cultural impact is significant. "This decision is a sweet expression of support for our soldiers and the country."
According to linguists, the word "Pak" is of Persian origin, meaning "pure," "sacred," or "sweet dish." In Hindi grammar, it is associated with cooking and food preparation. However, in today's political and social landscape, the word has taken on a negative connotation for some, associating it with Pakistan. In this case, sentiments are being prioritized over grammar.
