Well known painter Sayed Haider Raza was conferred with highest French Civilian Award Commandeur de la Lgion dHonneur (the Legion of Honour).
Raza was honoured with this award for his matchless achievements in transcending all boundaries, forging ties between France and India and for continuing artistic quest straddling nations, religions, cultures and philosophies.
He was given this award on the occasion of the French National Day (14 July) celebrations by Ambassador of France to India Franois Richier on behalf of the French President.
About Sayed Haider Raza
Born on 22 February 1922 in Madhya Pradesh, he has lived and worked in France since 1950, but kept relations with India.
He lived in France for about six decades and had travelled across Europe to exhibit his work.
He became India’s priciest modern artist when a seminal work, ‘Saurashtra’ was sold for record 16.42 crore rupees on 10 June 2010.
Awards
- 1956: Prix de la critique, Paris
- 1981: Padma Shri – the Government of India
- 1981: Fellowship of the Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi
- 1981: Kalidas Samman – Government of Madhya Pradesh
- 2007: Padma Bhushan – the Government of India
- 2013: Padma Vibhushan – the Government of India
About Legion of Honour
National Order of the Legion of Honour or Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur is the highest civilian award given by French government.
It is given to persons for their outstanding service to France regardless of their nationality.
It is divided into five degrees of increasing distinction:
- Chevalier (Knight),
- Officier (Officer),
- Commandeur (Commander),
- Grand Officier (Grand Officer)
- Grand Croix (Grand Cross)
In 2014 Shahrukh Khan and on 10 June 2015 Yashwant Sinha were conferred with this award.