Highlights:
- Chef Vikas Khanna received a Special Citation from New York State during AAPI Heritage Month celebrations in Albany.
- Vikas Khanna became the first Indian to receive this recognition in New York State history.
- Governor Kathy Hochul presented the honor during an official event on May 9.
- Vikas Khanna described the recognition as “deeply emotional and humbling.”
Indian chef, filmmaker, and author Vikas Khanna has become the first Indian to receive a special recognition from New York State during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, marking a major milestone for Indian representation in the United States.
The honor was presented by Kathy Hochul during an AAPI Heritage Month event held in Albany, the capital of New York State. Khanna received a “Special Citation” recognizing his contributions to culinary arts, culture, diversity, and community leadership.
The recognition places Vikas Khanna among prominent figures celebrated for their impact on multicultural communities in New York. State officials said the award reflected both his professional accomplishments and his broader contribution to cultural representation.
Vikas Khanna says the recognition was “deeply emotional and humbling”
Following the ceremony, Vikas Khanna shared his reaction on social media and emphasized the historical importance of the moment.
Khanna wrote that the recognition was “deeply emotional and humbling.” He also stated, “what makes this recognition even more meaningful is that it marks the first time an Indian has received this honour in New York State history.”
The chef said the award represented more than his personal success and highlighted the significance of representation for immigrant communities across the United States.
“This was never just a personal milestone. It was a statement of hope, identity, representation, and the power of diversity,” Khanna said.
During the May 9 event, Vikas Khanna also spoke about the importance of Indian and immigrant voices being represented at major institutions and public platforms.
“to bring an Indian chef to this table, this is not just an honour for me, it’s a representation – that our stories matter, our culture matters,” he said.
Khanna further addressed the role immigrants play in shaping New York City and called attention to the challenges faced by vulnerable communities.
He said New York City becomes a symbol of hope for the world “because we protect the most vulnerable and in this city, most of the time, the immigrants are the most vulnerable.”
Vikas Khanna honored as New York celebrates AAPI Heritage Month
Governor Kathy Hochul used the AAPI Heritage Month event to stress the importance of unity, inclusion, and cultural diversity in New York State.
The governor spoke against hate and division and reaffirmed support for migrant and immigrant communities living across the state. Officials at the event highlighted the role played by Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in business, culture, education, healthcare, and public life.
The official citation presented to Vikas Khanna described his journey from Amritsar in Punjab, India, to becoming an internationally recognized chef and humanitarian based in New York.
The citation referred to Khanna as a “global culinary icon.”
“New York State is proud to join in honouring Vikas Khanna for his outstanding contributions and inspiring commitment to artistic, culinary and personal excellence,” the citation stated.
Sibu Nair, New York’s AAPI Affairs Director, also spoke during the celebrations and said Governor Hochul was proud to host communities from different backgrounds while recognizing their contributions to the state.
Vikas Khanna continues global recognition after TIME100 honor
The New York State recognition adds to a growing list of honors for Vikas Khanna in 2026.
Last month, TIME magazine included Vikas Khanna in its annual list of the “100 Most Influential People” in the world. The publication described him as a “man of extraordinary heart.”
The TIME profile on Vikas Khanna included comments from acclaimed French chef Eric Ripert, who praised Khanna’s generosity and his ability to bring people together through food.
Ripert highlighted the way Vikas Khanna has used cuisine as a bridge between cultures and communities around the world.
The TIME feature also noted that Khanna carries Indian culture with “immense pride” and continues to present Indian traditions to global audiences through food, storytelling, film, and humanitarian work.
Vikas Khanna’s journey from Amritsar to international recognition
Born in Amritsar, Vikas Khanna has built an international profile through multiple fields, including culinary arts, filmmaking, publishing, and philanthropy.
Over the years, Vikas Khanna has become one of the most recognized Indian chefs globally, known for promoting Indian cuisine and heritage on international platforms. His restaurants, books, documentaries, and humanitarian initiatives have helped expand awareness of Indian culture among audiences worldwide.
Khanna has frequently spoken about identity, migration, and representation, themes that were also central to his remarks during the New York State event.
The recognition during AAPI Heritage Month reflects the growing visibility of Indian Americans and South Asian professionals in public life across the United States. It also highlights how cultural figures such as Vikas Khanna continue to shape conversations around diversity, inclusion, and immigrant contributions in America.
With honors from New York State and recognition from TIME magazine arriving within weeks of each other, 2026 has become another significant year in Vikas Khanna’s international career.
