Michelin Star Chef Vikas Khanna shares 'Recipe of Success' with students of Chitkara University

Michelin Star Chef Vikas Khanna, popularly known for being a judge at India's MasterChef show, on October 19 addressed the students of Chitkara University, Chandigarh. Chef Khanna, who has also authored books, hosted TV shows, directed films and built India's first Culinary & Kitchen Arts Museum,  was welcomed in a traditional Punjabi-style, complete with a live stall to serve his favourite snack desi bhutta. Chef Vikas Khanna was given a heartwarming reception by excited Chitkara University Hospitality & Culinary students, who had packed the auditorium beyond capacity.

Delighted to receive the world-renowned chef, Dr Madhu Chitkara, Vice Chancellor, Chitkara University said, "We are honoured to welcome Chef Vikas Khanna at the University. Our students are fortune as a personality of his calibre and standing is here to share his knowledge and experience with them. I am sure his visit will offer a huge inspiration and great exposure to our students."

She added, "At Chitkara University, we bring renowned & accomplished Industry professionals to our students for immersive learning and industry connections, and ensure that our students are future-ready to lead in the kitchen, the boardroom, or simply anywhere they aspire to be."

Humble, sincere and driven, Chef Khanna’s journey has been all about innovation in food, celebrating India’s culture through his books, tracing the origins of undiscovered food and ingredients to preserving, restoring and documenting experiences with his latest venture being a one-of-its-kind culinary museum in India.

Taking the stage after being felicitated with a ‘phulkari’ shawl as is the Chitkara tradition, Chef Khanna spoke to the students touching upon matters close to his own heart – sharing his journey – from a small town in Punjab to Michelin Stars and Manhattan, hopes and ambitions for the future, and finally unveiling his ‘recipe for success’ – all being authentic and real, as he is. The conviction in his words made students believe that their dreams could become a reality, with hard work and dedication.

Following the session, Chef Vikas Khanna joined Dr Madhu Chitkara and senior delegates, for a special scrumptious lunch prepared in his honour. The chef was impressed by the elaborate, carefully-selected Punjabi specialities prepared by Chitkara Culinary students, especially appreciating the desert ‘lahsun ki kheer’ and giving it a big thumbs up for adding soul to the ‘benami desert from Mughal Era’ and making it “simply irresistible”.

Over lunch, Chef Khanna had a quick yet fruitful discussion on pedagogy with Culinary & Hospitality faculty members of Chitkara University and spoke of ‘engaging the senses through experiential learning’ - presenting them with fresh perspectives on teaching & learning.

Note: This article has been published on the basis of a press communication by the college