Celebrity chef goes down memory lane

From a simple Amritsar boy to a successful chef and TV host today, the Michelin star chef Vikas Khanna spoke extensively of his journey, at an “Up, close and personal” interaction with press persons and students of Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration here at Fortune Inn Valley View on Saturday.

From his humble beginnings in Amritsar, Khanna is today one of the top chefs in the world and he gave the credit of his rise largely to the fine grooming he had in WGSHA as a student.

“I was a very shy boy and Manipal gave me the exposure to the varied diversity of India. This university made me overcome my fear of communication. The University gave me love and confidence and it is this confidence which is holding me in good stead today,” he went down memory lane.

He spoke at length about his documentary series ‘Holy Kitchens’ and also how the research for his upcoming book ‘My Great India’ took him all over India and how he had the opportunity to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds.

The students asked him wide-ranging questions, from the ingredients for fame to his inspiration in life. Pat came all his replies laced with wit and humour. In a message to the students, he said, “I’ve only scratched the American minds, but you are going to conquer them.”

Sharanya Vedam, a fourth year student of WGSHA said, “It was an eye opener for us all. The way he spoke about the acceptance of women in the kitchen was something really empowering.” Prakarshi Pulkit, a first year student of BA Culinary Arts, WGHSA, said that he was really inspired by the simplicity and humility of a man of such great stature.
The session ended on a high note where the students had a small dance put together, which Chef Khanna joined in enthusiastically.

He was also given the first ticket to the upcoming WGSHA food festival.