French National Day celebrations in India, 2011
French Government Distinction conferred on Prof Balveer Arora, Prof Shiva Prasad, Dr Narendra Jadhav, and Mrs Leena Srivasatav.
The French government has bestowed the awards of Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour) on Prof Balveer Arora, and Prof Shiva Prasad, Commandeur des Palmes Académiques (Commander of the Academic Palms) on Dr Narendra Jadhav, and Chevalier des Palmes Académiques (Knight of Academic Palms) on Mrs Leena Srivasatav. The award is in recognition of their contribution to the development of Indo-French cooperation in their respective fields.
The Order of the Legion of Honour is the highest distinction that can be conferred by the French Republic on an individual, irrespective of nationality, in recognition of their distinguished contribution in their area of work. The Order of the Legion of Honour was instituted in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte.
The Order of the Academic Palms is one of the oldest civil distinctions of France. It was originally instituted by Napoleon in 1808 to honour eminent members of the University of France. Today, the Academic Palms honours those who render important services to French National Education and contribute to the intellectual, scientific and artistic influence of France in the world.
Bastille Day : the French national day, commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison, which took place on 14th July, 1789, heralding the beginning of the French Revolution. The Bastille symbolised the absolute power of King Louis XVI, and thus its fall marked a victory for liberty and the will of the people. Today Bastille Day celebrations combine the formality of military parades and the conviviality of street dances and fireworks in France.