Shashi Tharoor- Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur

August 12, 2022

French Government’s highest civilian award “Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur” was presented to Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. This honour is being conferred to him, because he delivered speech in French in 2021. His speech left the officials of the embassy, consulates, military attaches and Alliance Francaise surprised. Shashi Tharoor had also received a similar honour “the ‘Encomienda de la Real Order Espanola de Carlos III”, by Spanish Government in 2010.

About Chevalier de la Legion of d’Honneur:

Legion of Honour is a French order of merit.
Napoleon Bonaparte had set up the honour in 1802.
This honour is conferred for excellent civil or military conduct.
All previous orders were reserved only for Christians.
This honour is presented to people with 20 years of civil achievement in peacetime or to those who showcased extraordinary military bravery in war times.

Badge of Legion:

Badge of the Legion includes the inscription “République Française”, meaning Republic of France. Its back side has the inscription of crossed tricolours, along with its motto “Honneur et Patrie” that means “Honor and Country”.

Indians who received the honour:

Maharaja Pratap Singh of Udar was the first Indian to receive this honour in 1918. Since then, over 40 Indians have been awarded the honour. Other awardees include;