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Dubai: Indian-American Michelin-star chef, Vikas Khanna, has created countless memorable meals but there is one meal that he has kept closest to his heart for the past 26 years. It is the one he shared with a Muslim family, which saved his life.

Khanna has fasted for a day during Ramadan, every year - for over two decades, to honour them.

The chef explained what happened in a Facebook post he wrote in the Ramadan of 2015: “#RamadanMubarak to all. ...I was training in the kitchen of SeaRock Sheraton, Mumbai in 1992 December when riots broke and whole city was under fire. We were stuck in the hotel for days. Iqbal Khan and Wasim Bhai (Trainee Chef and a waiter, whom I lost touch with forever) and their families sheltered me and nurtured me during this time. Since that year, I fast for 1 day during the Holy Month to thank them and keep them in my prayers….”

Every year, Khanna has posted on social media about his experience, especially as he lost touch with them over the years.

In a television interview in India that aired last year, he revealed more details about the incident. He said that the family called him “their son” when a mob grew suspicious of him at their Mumbai home, where they gave him shelter.

This year’s Ramadan brought Khanna a special surprise. On Monday he tweeted that he has tracked down the family and is reuniting with them.

Using his Twitter handle @TheVikasKhanna, he posted: “Heartwarming evening. All Heart. Tears. Pain. Pride. Courage. Humanity. Gratitude. This will be the most significant and important EID of my life. Thank you everyone to connect me with my souls.”

Social media users were delighted to hear the news.

Tweep @shuchidham wrote: “God Bless them... They didn’t know that their little act of kindness have done a huge favour on Human kind.”

Some thought that Khanna’s story is a positive representation of India. Twitter user @RIAZ04778608 posted: “Today I feel proud & energized by these incidents, for past few years I can clearly see the hatred between communities may god bless us and show us the right path and embrace each other with love…”

On the same sentiment, @drshamamohd tweeted: “What a touching story! This is the India I know & love where everyone looks out for each other, irrespective of religion, creed, caste or community.”