iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-<\/p>\n
Chef Vikas Khanna has added another major international recognition to his career after becoming the first Indian to receive a special honor from New York State during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebrations.<\/p>\n
New York Governor Kathy Hochul presented Khanna with a \u201cSpecial Citation\u201d at an event in Albany last week in recognition of his artistic and culinary contributions, as well as his wider cultural impact. The honor marked the first time an Indian has received such recognition during the state\u2019s AAPI Heritage Month commemorations.<\/p>\n
Khanna later described the moment as deeply emotional and meaningful, saying the recognition represented far more than a personal achievement. He said it reflected the importance of identity, representation and diversity for the growing Asian American and Pacific Islander community in the U.S.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday was a historic day in many ways. To be honored by the Honorable Governor Kathy Hochul during AAPI (Asian American & Pacific Islander) Heritage Month was deeply emotional and humbling,\u201d Khanna posted on his social media account.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat makes this recognition even more meaningful is that it marks the first time an Indian has received this honor in New York State history. AAPI is the fastest-growing community in the United States, representing more than 25 million people, cultures, stories, struggles, and dreams,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was never just a personal milestone. It was a statement of hope, identity, representation, and the power of diversity.
Today, inside the Governor\u2019s home, many of us felt what true inclusion can look like. For every immigrant family that carried their traditions across oceans, this honor belongs to you too,\u201d he said,<\/p>\n
Speaking at the event on May 9, Khanna spoke about the role immigrants play in shaping cities like New York and said protecting vulnerable communities helps make the city a symbol of hope for people around the world.<\/p>\n
Governor Hochul used the occasion to celebrate the contributions of AAPI communities across New York and stressed the importance of unity against hate and discrimination. She also said the state\u2019s diversity strengthens New York and reaffirmed support for migrant communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cProud to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month in Albany today! While the forces of hate try to stoke division, we\u2019re showing the world that here in New York, we stand united. Our diverse cultures and communities make us stronger. And we\u2019ll never stop fighting for them,\u201d she posted on X.<\/p>\n
The citation recognized Khanna\u2019s journey from Amritsar to New York and described him as a global culinary icon committed to excellence in food, art and public service.<\/p>\n
Sibu Nair, New York\u2019s AAPI Affairs Director, said the event was aimed at honoring the contributions of diverse communities across the state and recognizing their role in everyday life in New York.<\/p>\n
The latest recognition comes only weeks after the Amritsar-born chef was named in TIME magazine\u2019s 2026 list of the 100 Most Influential People in the world.<\/p>\n
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