My Journey from Amritsar to Michelin Star | Vikas Khanna | TEDxGatewaySalon

Summary

Vikas Khanna, a renowned chef, shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings in India to earning Michelin stars in the U.S. He emphasizes the power of food to unite people and his commitment to showcasing Indian cuisine despite skepticism. Khanna advocates for using education and platforms to uplift others, highlighting his work in film and literature to address social issues like widowhood. His story is a testament to perseverance, challenging stereotypes, and the importance of pursuing one's passion while giving a voice to the marginalized.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vikas Khanna emphasizes that cooking is a powerful profession that can break societal barriers and bring people together.
• 😀 His early experiences in the Golden Temple inspired him to see food as a connecting force across diverse communities.
• 😀 Khanna faced significant challenges in establishing himself as an Indian chef in a predominantly Western culinary landscape.
• 😀 He moved to New York in 2000, driven by a desire to pursue his passion for Indian cuisine despite skepticism from others.
• 😀 His first Michelin star, awarded just nine months after opening his restaurant, aimed to normalize Indian chefs' success in the industry.
• 😀 Khanna believes that chefs should not just cook for accolades but also uplift and empower others through their work.
• 😀 He has authored 39 books, each tied to a cause, reflecting his commitment to social issues and community empowerment.
• 😀 His film, 'The Last Color,' addresses the plight of widows and was recognized by the United Nations, showcasing the impact of storytelling.
• 😀 Khanna advocates for using education and platforms to amplify voices of the marginalized and inspire future generations.
• 😀 He encourages persistence in pursuing dreams, regardless of age or societal expectations, illustrating that dreams have no expiration.

Q & A

What motivated Vikas Khanna to pursue a career in cooking despite societal views?

Vikas Khanna was inspired by his grandmother's visits to the Golden Temple, where he saw food uniting people from different backgrounds, leading him to view cooking as a noble profession.

How did Vikas's early experiences shape his culinary career?

His early experiences cooking in a small family business laid the foundation for his skills, teaching him the value of hard work and community in food.

What challenges did Vikas face when moving to the United States?

Vikas faced discrimination and skepticism regarding Indian cuisine's viability in America, especially after the events of 9/11.

How did Vikas respond to the skepticism about Indian cuisine?

He chose to embrace and promote Indian food, rejecting the notion of 'whitewashing' his culinary identity.

What significance did Vikas place on receiving a Michelin star?

For Vikas, receiving a Michelin star was not just personal achievement but a way to normalize the presence of Indian chefs in high-end culinary spaces.

What role did his mother play in his life and career?

Vikas's mother was a constant source of support, helping produce his work and celebrating his achievements, including his birthday acknowledgment in the speech.

What themes does Vikas explore through his films?

His films focus on social issues, aiming to raise awareness about the struggles faced by marginalized groups, such as widows.

How did Vikas use social media in his filmmaking?

He utilized social media to conduct research and gather stories, demonstrating the potential of smartphones in filmmaking.

What message does Vikas want to convey to future generations?

He emphasizes the importance of following one's dreams and using one's platform to advocate for the voiceless.

How does Vikas view the role of education in his life?

He believes education should empower individuals to amplify unheard stories, rather than just serve personal gain.