NATIONAL ORDER OF THE LEGION OF HONOUR
1. Context
French President Emmanuel Macron on (July 13, 2023) conferred his country’s highest honour, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Government of India described it as a “warm gesture embodying the spirit of the India-France partnership”.
The honour normally recognises the contribution of the French people in the “service of the nation”. Foreigners are honoured for their support to France, and the award is sometimes conferred upon high dignitaries on a state visit to France.
2. What is the Legion of Honour
The National Order of the Legion of Honour, or simply The Legion of Honour is the highest French decoration, both civil and military, and is one of the most famous national honours in the world.
The Order was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, and has been presented for more than the past two centuries on behalf of the French Head of State to its most deserving citizens in all fields of activity. The motto of the Order is Honneur et Patrie, French for Honour and Fatherland.
Source: Britannica
3. Importance of the Award
- There is no material or financial benefit attached to the award. The Legion of Honour cannot be applied for; the government identifies the potential honourees
- The award badge is a five-armed Maltese asterisk hung on an oak and laurel wreath.
- On the obverse is the effigy of the Republic and on the reverse two tricolour flags surrounded by the motto Honneur et Patrie. The colour of the ribbon is red.
- Foreigners may be decorated with the Legion of Honour “if they have rendered services (e.g. cultural or economic) to France or supported causes defended by France, such as human rights, freedom of the press, or humanitarian action”.
- State visits are…an occasion for conferring the Legion of Honour upon official figures, pursuant to diplomatic reciprocity and thereby supporting the foreign policy of France
- The Legion of Honour has five degrees of increasing distinction: three ranks — Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), and Commandeur (Commander) — and two titles — Grand Officier (Grand Officer) and Grand-croix (Grand Cross)
- The Prime Minister has been honoured with the highest French honour, akin to the Bharat Ratna in India.
Source: indianexpress
