Chef Vijay Kumar was named the Global Indian of the Year at CNN-News18’s Indian of the Year Awards 2025, emerging the winner in a category that included Leena Nair, Manish Malhotra, Payal Kapadia and rapper Hanumankind.
The honour comes just weeks after Kumar was awarded the prestigious James Beard Foundation title of Best Chef: New York State, placing him among the most influential culinary voices in the world.
Kumar shared a deeply emotional moment at the ceremony when his mother joined him on stage. Visibly moved, he said, “All my success is possible because of the upbringing of my mother and the values she taught me.”
Chief Vijay Kumar and his mother get emotional on receiving the #IndianOfTheYear #VijayKumar #Chef #Mother #IndianOfTheYear2025
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The recognition marks another milestone in a remarkable journey that began in the small farming village of Natham in Tamil Nadu.
Now 44, Kumar has built his culinary identity around memories of his childhood, food cooked over firewood, local foraging traditions, and meals prepared by his mother and grandmother.
Today, he is at the centre of a cultural shift in Manhattan’s West Village, where his cooking is redefining the global understanding of Tamil and South Indian cuisine.
Kumar’s James Beard win earlier this month was hailed as a breakthrough moment.
Chennai-based culinary historian Rakesh Raghunathan said his recognition follows the path carved by Tamil-origin icons such as Raghavan Iyer and Padma Lakshmi.
“Tamil cuisine, along with Sri Lankan Tamil and other South Indian traditions — is increasingly being embraced by global diners as something refined, rich and deeply rooted in culture,” he noted.
At the James Beard ceremony, Kumar said the food he grew up with is “now taking the main stage,” calling it a moment of profound cultural pride.
Indian Of The Year Award 2025
Now in its 15th edition, CNN-News18’s Indian of the Year Awards continues to highlight individuals whose determination, innovation and achievements are shaping India’s evolving narrative. Since its launch in 2006, the award has earned a reputation as one of the most respected honours in Indian news broadcasting.
This year’s theme, India’s Invincible Icons, celebrates changemakers who embody resilience, vision and transformative spirit — qualities reflected in Kumar’s rise from a Tamil Nadu village to global culinary acclaim.
