Our Bureau
Boston, MA
The South Asian Association (SAA) of Harvard University has honored renowned chef, novelist, and filmmaker Vikas Khanna Person of the Year, adding another feather to his already impressive cap. The honor celebrates Khanna’s enormous commitment to showcasing India’s rich culinary legacy on the international scene and is a historic acknowledgement for Indian cuisine in general as well as for Khanna specifically.
Chef Vikas beaming with pride and honor, claimed, “What a milestone for Indian cuisine! To be named Person of the Year by Harvard University’s SAA is beyond words. This recognition is not just an award—it’s a promise. A commitment to continue honoring our culture through every dish, every detail.”
From laboring in tiny kitchens in India to earning a Michelin star in New York, Khanna, who was born in the bustling streets of Amritsar, has gone really far on success path taking along Indian culinary skills to the global stage. Vikas has continuously used food as a potent vehicle to communicate stories, unite cultures, and elevate voices, whether it is through his renowned documentary The Last Color, his fine-dining restaurant Kinara in Dubai, or his position as a popular judge on Celebrity MasterChef India.
Chef Vikas ecstatically said, “No words to express my feelings today—from the bylanes of Amritsar to the stage at Harvard University. Thank you, Boston, for so much love. Heading back to New York with a full heart.”
Vikas Khanna is a cultural ambassador in addition to being a chef, and he is well-known for his friendliness, modesty, and strong ties to his Indian heritage. His popularity has grown even further as a judge on Celebrity MasterChef India, motivating young chefs all throughout the country.
As per Chef Vikas, “This is amazing. Because Harvard recognizes excellence in representation. Every single morning at my restaurant, Bungalow, is a tribute to India. I’m thankful to everyone involved for choosing me for this honor.”
