Philanthropy and humanitarianism knows no geographical boundaries. Bearing a testimony to it, Indian-origin celebrity chef Vikas Khanna has extended a helping hand from New York to the poor victims of COVID19 in India. In solidarity with India, he generously responded to the acute shortage of food that orphanages and old age homes are grappling with amid the countrywide lockdown. The way he created a chain of help for the needy and the affected over a few days after he got duped is remarkable as well as admirable.
Picture Credit (left): Hotelier Middle East
Born in Amritsar, Chef Vikas Khanna is known for his benevolent attitude, compassionate nature, and down-to-earth personality. Recently, he made a cash donation to an old age home in India when someone approached him for help. He got to know later that he was cheated. Following the case of fraudulence, he realized that he needs to shoulder the responsibility with the help of reliable people in different parts of India.
The goodwill ambassador of Smile Foundation, Michelin star chef Vikas Khanna has provided more than 100 quintals of dry ration for over 3 million meals to the needy both in urban and rural India. The dry ration was distributed with the help of National Disaster Response Force. Not only dry ration, but he also donated PPE kits, masks and sanitary napkins for some health care workers. Legendary Lata Mangeshkar expressed gratitude for his donation of 1000 PPE kits to Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Mumbai.
Despite a complete halt to his restaurant business amid the COVID19 pandemic in New York and other cities, he came forward to help those in utter need of food. Despite he lost some of his friends and acquaintances in New York to the COVID19 health crisis, he did not let his mental equilibrium run into a mess. He is striving to stay positive even in the unprecedented situation so that he can continue the philanthropic effort. A close aunt of his is among those who succumbed to the pandemic.
“New York’s hottest Chef” Vikas Khanna directly approached his social media followers to check on orphanages and old age homes seeking help to survive the lockdown in their cities, towns and villages. He himself verified the credentials of the listed nonprofit entities to avoid giving away dry food essentials to those who don’t need it. He also ensured the inclusion of NGOs and individuals feeding the poor in the dry ration distribution network. There are leprosy centers on the list of bonafide foundations shortlisted for the drive.
By the beginning of the week we will cross over 3 Million+ sharing of Dry Rations Meals in over 75+ Cities in India.
Today I request info on Leprosy Centres, Old-Age Homes and Orphanages in #Hyderabad #Kolkata #Bangalore #Chennai
We are getting stronger and better in solidarity pic.twitter.com/hbqeeYbZAW— Vikas Khanna (@TheVikasKhanna) May 8, 2020
A renowned cookbook author with 25 titles to his credit, Chef Vikas Khanna is a philanthropic entrepreneur. He has cooked for several fundraising events, including the one hosted for former President Obama at the Rubin Museum of Art in New York City. He founded India’s first culinary museum at his alma mater in Manipal, Karnataka. In 2001, he founded Cooking for Life in association with chefs from across the world, aiming to support various social causes. Vision of Palate is another award-winning initiative by him for people with visual disabilities to develop such sensibilities as taste, flavor and aromas.
Travel Beats is an overseas Indian Community Portal by Indian Eagle, a leading travel booking partner of NRIs and OCIs. This story is part of our continued effort to promote philanthropy by Indians in USA. Subscribe to Travel Beats’ free newsletter for latest US immigration and visa news, Indian Diaspora news, inspiring stories of young Indians, and international travel updates.