'Francophone' Shashi Tharoor awarded with France's highest civilian honor

Congress MP and former UN diplomat Shashi Tharoor has been conferred with the highest French civilian honor, 'Chevalier de la Legion d'honneur' for being a 'friend' of France and working for deepening Indo-French ties.

Chairman of the French Senate Gerard Larcher conferred Tharoor with the honor at an event in French Embassy.

"The highest French civilian award comes in recognition of Tharoor's tireless efforts to deepen Indo-French ties, commitment to international peace and cooperation, and as a long-standing friend of France," according to a statement released by the French Embassy in India.

Dr Shashi Tharoor, MP and writer, was today conferred the "Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur" (Knight of the Legion of Honour) by Gérard Larcher, Chairman of the French Senate, on behalf of the President of the French Republic, during a special ceremony at the Residence of France.… pic.twitter.com/wywF8c6nzF

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2024

The statement appreciated the 'remarkable personality' of Thiruvananthapuram MP for his range of talents.

"Be it as a diplomat at the United Nations, where he worked to respond to some of the world's toughest crises, and served as Under-Secretary-General, as a renowned writer who has authored works imbued with the spirit of a contemporary Indian odyssey, or as a statesman in India," the statement added.

In addition, Tharoor has served as Human Resource Development's and Minister of State for External Affairs. Additionally, he has held positions on significant standing committees of parliament, such as those on communications and information technology and external affairs.

According to the Embassy, he is the author of multiple non-fiction and fiction books, some of which have been translated into French.

The former diplomat held numerous roles at the UN before entering politics. He was also named Secretary-General Kofi Annan's executive assistant and director of communications and special projects.

As he bestowed the honor on Tharoor, French Senate Chairman Gerard Larcher referred to him as a "friend of France" and a "Francophone" who had a deep appreciation for the nation and its customs.

Before this, Kiran Nadar, the chairperson of the Museum of Art got honored with the award for playing a vital role in advancing Indo-French cultural ties, and artistic cooperation.