Barkat: The Inspiration and the Story Be: The Inspiration and the Story Behind One of World’s Largest Food Drives FEED INDIA

I absolutely loved reading the book. Vikas Khanna has presented heart-warming stories from his life with so much honesty and humility. His stories traverse the distance from his family home in Amritsar and his grandmother's kitchen, to his restaurants in New York. He shares his early experiences at the langar in the Golden Temple, his grandmother's and his mother's wise counsel and his family's support for which he shows so much gratitude - all of which has shaped who he is today. I couldn't put it down at all and finished it in one sitting. Easy to read and engaging, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys food, the world of haute cuisine, or is just a Vikas Khanna fan!

This book truly encompasses the beauty of Indian traditions delicately woven with religious beliefs. Shows how Spirit of sharing can enrich every human in unlimited ways.Truly and inspirational book, it brings forwards the puré soul that Chef Vikas Khanna is… I really have no words to appreciate and thank Chef for the inspiration that he is for thousands of people around the world. A heartfelt gratitude for his efforts for people of India not just once but time and again.His story shows and proves that the learning and valúes one receives from the strong knit family and teachings of one’s grandparents can never be received at world university. It is this that make and builds the real character of the person. Our elders and their values and teachings need to be imbibed are our true treasure.

“Barkat” is a remarkable story of a seagull (Read Vikas Khanna, the author of the book) who after learning to fly, bit by bit, came down to his community to help others fly.As a kid, thanks to his grandmother, Vikas was enamoured with the ambience of the langar of the Golden Temple gurudwara where thousands and thousands used to be fed with food everyday. The seagull bagan to learn there the first lesson of flying and it’s implicit meaning. He began to learn and understand food as the purest form of sustenance as he grew. He began to understand the profoundness of satisfaction in sharing food which was peppered with love. The learning he was made to undergo by his Biji in his early childhood finally culminated in his Feed India Campaign while India was reeling under severe food crisis due to covid pandemic and subsequent lockdown caused by it. He with the help of his various associates distributed foods to millions and millions people of the country when they really need them most. Yes, the seagull began helping his community fly alongwith him.The book chronicles an inspiring journey of a notable chef Vikas Khanna, now a Michelin MasterChef. It has been written in a simple and lucid language where the reader gets hooked from the word go. In the process he/she realises that the author’s quest of getting a Michelin Star gets unwittingly dwarfed by his desire to serve the mankind with whatever prowess he possessed. The love and appreciation which he got and continues to get have made him take abode in the hearts of millions and millions people of the country. That’s to me, the biggest and much brighter Michelin Star that the author eventually got.A must read book

I find this book very inspiring that dreams do come true with lots of hard work and dedication. Vikas Khanna has created history not just in the food industry but he has popularized the tradition of community kitchen (langar).

A good read about Chef Vikas, how his journey was from common man to a chef. Difficulties that he has faced and how he has overcome them.

Very honest- straight from the heart narrative. Story of a person who let his passion surmount seeming obstacles like a lack of proper English speaking ability, racism etc. . Was really impressed by how he organized COVID food relief for millions in India while co-ordinating from New York. Best part I liked is his response to a BBC journalist, who condescendingly asked if he could understand starvation well as he hailed from India. He said that where he hailed from , nobody starved as langars were there everywhere to feed the hungry; and that ironically, he experienced starvation when he first landed in America!

Coming straight out of heart, this life journey which emphasises the joy of sharing through food leaves one feeling so humane! The book actually feels like a warm story shared over a chat that inspires and makes you feel good about food beyond its taste. As a reader it inspires, connects deeper and makes sharing simple. While it may not have the style of an established author’s creation, it has a pull factor that mesmerises the reader as he/she moves along the short chapters.

Full of passion, emotions,faith and humility.hatsoff chef.what a journey 👏👏