-Celebrated Chef Become Dr Chef Vikas Khanna, Dedicates His Degree to his Grandmother
-Chef Khanna Started His Journey From Rolling Breads at the Revered Golden Temple
-This Honorary Doctorate is the first Degree that GD Goenka University Confered
Tejaswi/STI Correspondent
Gurugram (India) : The Chef Extraordinaire, Vikas Khanna is man of passion and dedication,fivetimes Michelin star, a celebrated chef, a prolific writer, and a poet. GD Goenka University in recognition of his outstanding record of culinary art, philanthropy, altruism and humanitarianism and his global reach as a chef honored him with Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) Degree at a special convocation.
The teary eyed 46year-old Dr. Chef Vikas Khanna said “It’s been a long journey for about 28 years of cooking and researching Indian cuisine. I dedicate this doctorate to my grandmother. She was a guiding light, she gave me one mantra-Don’t listen to people, write your own story because when you write your own stories, one day it will become an epic. It’s my utmost honour to receive this recognition from GD Goenka University.I look forward to the University continuing on its path as a great learning institute, appreciating and encouraging philanthropic work and excellence across streams.”
Vikas Khanna has nurtured and restored pride in Indian cuisine globally, has authored over 29 books. His 21st book, the magnum opus – Utsav– A Culinary Epic of Indian Festivals was premiered at the Cannes Film Festival which is a landmark in the history of Cannes.
Born with misaligned feet, Chef Khanna started his journey from rolling breads at the revered Golden Temple in Amritsar. He learnt the art of cooking from his grandmother in Amritsar and today in collaboration with his Alma Mater, WGSHA, Manipal Institute, Chef Khanna is setting up the world’s first Kitchen Arts and Tools Museum.He is the host of Master Chef India, Twist of Taste on FOX Life, Junior Master Chef India aired on Star Plus.
Apart from the extraordinary contribution to culinary art, Chef Vikas has made significant impact on the lives of thousands of people advocating the cause of visual disability awareness, world hunger and education for children. He is a recipient of many prestigious international awards for his outstanding work including the Benjamin Franklin Award for his book ‘Flavors First’ as well as the James Beard nomination (also known as the “Oscars of Food World”) for his widely acclaimed ‘Return to Rivers’
.
“Chef Vikas, is the personification of his own words which I quote -To teach is great, but to inspire is divine. In recognition of Chef Vikas Khanna’s exemplary contribution to the culinary art; his extraordinary passion to conserve and promote the rich culture, tradition and heritage of the Indian cuisine globally and for his significant service to humanity, GD Goenka University takes pride in awarding him the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa).This is the first time that GD Goenka University confers a honorary doctorate,”Prof. (Dr.) Shrihari, the VC of the university said.
He also inaugurated thei HOST 2018, the 3rd International conference on Hospitality & Tourism, organized byLe Cordon Bleu School of Hospitality, GD Goenka University.
About G D Goenka University:
G.D. Goenka University (GDGU), Sohna Road, Gurgaon, is constituted by the Government of Haryana under the Haryana Private Universities (Amendment) Act, 2013, notified in HARYANA GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA).MAY 3, 2013 (VYSK.13,1935 SAKA) and the Degrees awarded by the university are recognized by the UGC. The mission of G. D. Goenka University is to prepare globally competent graduates through Interdisciplinary project based learning with focus on innovation and research that improve employability and association with top ranked institutions and leading industries that facilitate exchange of scholars and joint research.