A viral video showing an enraged discussion between a TV reporter and a Haldiram store manager has generated a debate on Urdu on social media platforms at a time when azaan, halal, and many other Islamic traditions, as well as Muslim traders, are experiencing opposition in numerous Indian states.
In the video, a reporter from Sudarshan TV, which is known for starting the ‘UPSC Jihad’ show, is seen interrogating a Haldiram store manager about the ‘Arabic script’ on the back of a product’s packet.
The reporter continually heckles the store manager, claiming that the information about the ‘Falhari Mixture’ snack is printed in Urdu “What are you attempting to conceal? What is the significance of some information being written in Urdu?”
She then launched into a diatribe about how the packaging’s “Urdu script” “betrayed Hindus who fast during Navratri.”
The store manager’s response to the TV reporter has garnered appreciation on social media. “I’m not obligated to give you an explanation. You can do whatever you like, ma’am; Haldiram’s will not tolerate such outbursts “In the video, she can be heard stating.
She goes on to tell the reporter that product information is written in three languages based on the client communities they receive: English, Hindi, and Urdu. “Why aren’t you reading the language you’re familiar with? Instead, why are you making such a big deal about Urdu?”
As soon as the viral video went viral on social media, people began pointing out how Islamophobia in the country is spiralling out of control under the guise of a “anti-Hindu conspiracy.”
Suresh Chavanke, the Editor in Chief of Sudharshan News, also hinted at a plot in a separate video. He asserted, “Fasting people will enjoy this snack. However, the description is in Urdu. So, what is Haldiram trying to conceal? Is the food prepared with animal fat?”
“Fasting Hindus cannot read this language, and those who can read it are not fasting Hindus. However, the Aloo Bhujia and Salted Peanut packages don’t have any Urdu lettering on them.”
The Supreme Court previously described Chavanke’s ‘UPSC Jihad’ show, which claimed to demonstrate a plot of Muslim infiltration into civil service, as ‘rabid’ and ‘insidious.’
According to a complaint, Chavanke was also accused of “administering an oath” to a group of people in Delhi, telling them to “die for and murder” to establish India a “Hindu Rashtra” or “Hindu Nation.”
While many have called for a boycott of Haldiram, this isn’t the first time someone has attacked the Urdu language.
Fabindia has previously received a lot of backlash from far-right followers for their Diwali collection, ‘Jashn e Riwaaz.’ The company was obliged to take down its advertisements and announce that its seasonal collection will be called ‘Jhilmil si Diwali.’
The Chenab Times News Desk