Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran has been conferred France’s highest order of merit called the Legion d’Honneur or the Legion of Honour. Chandrasekaran was honoured for his contribution in strengthening and building business between India and France.
The Legion of Honour is the highest French order of merit, both civil and military. It was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte.
Here are some other Indian businessmen who were honoured by foreign countries.
Before Chandrasekaran, Chairperson of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), Kiran Nadar, wife of HCL Technologies founder Shiv Nadar, was conferred the conferred Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur for her outstanding contribution in the field of art.
In 2016, Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, was conferred the highest French civilian distinction, Commandeur de la Légion d’Honneur (Commander of the Legion of Honour). He also received the 'Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire' from Queen Elizabeth, 'Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic', 'Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun' from Japan, 'Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia' and more.
Former Tata Sons Chairman JRD Tata was the recipient of several national and international honours and decorations, including the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan; French Legion of Honour (Commander); Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (Knight Commander’s Cross); Institute of Metals, London (Bessemer Medal).
Wipro founder Azim Premji has been honoured with Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan. He was conferred with Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour) by France. The Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy was bestowed on him in 2017.
Piramal Group Vice Chairperson Swati Piramal has received one of India's high civilian honours, the Padma Shri award. She has also been conferred the Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour).
Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy was conferred the Padma Vibhushan and Padma Shri by Indian Govt, Honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire by the UK Govt, Officer of the Legion of Honour by France.
Aside from businesspersons, Indian physicist and Padma Shri awardee Rohini Godbole has been conferred with the Ordre National du Merite, one of the highest distinctions granted by France to honour eminent persons.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor was conferred 'Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur', France's highest order of merit for his writings and speeches. This recognition is given by the French Republic for a person's exceptional contribution to their respective field.