New York State Governor Honours Indian Chef Vikas Khanna

Indian-American celebrity chef Vikas Khanna has become the first Indian in New York State history to receive a special honour during Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month celebrations, marking another milestone in his growing global recognition as a chef, humanitarian and cultural ambassador.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul presented Khanna with a “Special Citation” during an official AAPI Heritage Month event in Albany on May 9, recognising his outstanding artistic, culinary and humanitarian contributions . The citation described the Amritsar-born chef as a “global culinary icon” and praised his inspiring journey from Punjab to international acclaim in New York.

Khanna later described the recognition as “deeply emotional and humbling,” saying it was especially meaningful because it marked the first time an Indian had received the honour in New York State history. He stressed that the award symbolised “hope, identity, representation, and the power of diversity,” adding that it reflected the growing influence of the AAPI community in the United States, now representing more than 25 million people.

Addressing the gathering, Khanna said recognising an Indian chef on such a platform proved that “our stories matter, our culture matters.” He also praised New York City for protecting vulnerable immigrant communities and remaining a global beacon of hope and inclusion. Governor Hochul, meanwhile, called for unity against hate and reaffirmed support for migrant communities across the state.

The honour comes weeks after TIME magazine named Khanna among its 2026 list of the “100 Most Influential People” in the world. In a profile for the magazine, acclaimed French chef Eric Ripert described him as “a man of extraordinary heart” who uses food as a universal language to connect cultures and uplift communities worldwide.