Kiran Nadar conferred “Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur” [fr]
The highest French civilian award comes in recognition of Ms Nadar’s outstanding contribution in the field of art, her commitment to providing greater access to culture both nationally and internationally, and her leading role in fostering Indo-French cultural ties.
New Delhi, 28 March 2023
The Ambassador of France to India, H.E. Mr Emmanuel Lenain, today conferred the "Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur" (Knight of the Legion of Honour) on Ms Kiran Nadar during a special ceremony at the Residence of France. The highest French civilian award comes in recognition of Ms Nadar’s outstanding contribution in the field of art, her commitment to providing greater access to culture both nationally and internationally, and her leading role in fostering Indo-French cultural ties.
Ms Kiran Nadar is the Chairperson of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), a philanthropic initiative in art, and a trustee of the Shiv Nadar Foundation. An avid art collector and philanthropist, Ms Nadar has profoundly shaped and inspired the Indian art world. As a pivotal force in the country’s cultural landscape, her influential vision has increased the visibility of Indian modern and contemporary art worldwide. Through her unique vision, consistent efforts, and unfailing enthusiasm, she has given India a global platform that showcases and promotes Indian art. In parallel, it has been her mission to make art accessible to the common man in India through the KNMA.
Ms Nadar plays a vital role in advancing Indo-French cultural ties, and artistic cooperation. She has established collaborations with leading French museums such as Musée Guimet in Paris, and Musée des Arts asiatiques in Nice. In 2022, KNMA joined hands with Alkazi Foundation, and the French Institute in India to create “Converges”, the largest exhibition of original pictures from French photographers ever shown in India. This exhibition was brought to India as part of “Bonjour India 2022”, a six-month cultural festival organised by France across India as a present for India’s 75th Independence anniversary.
At the investiture, Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain said: “It is my privilege to confer the Légion d’Honneur on Ms Kiran Nadar on behalf of the President of the French Republic. Through this award, France recognises Ms Nadar’s pivotal role in India’s cultural landscape and her outstanding contribution to the dialogue between French and Indian cultures. We deeply believe in bringing French and Indian artists closer together, and are honoured to be able to count on Ms Nadar’s vision to advance this goal.”
Receiving the recognition, Kiran Nadar, Chairperson, Kiran Nadar Museum of Art said, “It is an absolute privilege for me to be conferred ‘Chevalier de l’Ordre national de la Légion d’Honneur’ and I am deeply grateful to the French Government for this great honour. KNMA has a longstanding relationship with France in the cultural space. Our partnership with France has been instrumental in bringing together diverse perspectives and promoting cultural exchange.”
About the Légion d’Honneur
Instituted in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Légion d’Honneur (Legion of Honour) is the highest civilian award given by the French Republic for outstanding service to France, regardless of the nationality of the recipients. The President of the French Republic is the Grand Master of the Order of the Legion of Honour.
About Kiran Nadar Museum of Art
Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) opened its doors to the public in January 2010. It is a pioneering private museum of Modern and Contemporary art in South Asia, with two spaces located in New Delhi and Noida. It is a not-for-profit institution with an extensive and creative engagement with exhibition-making, educational and public-focused programs, and publications. Through its rigorous and multiple programs, KNMA emphasises its commitment to institutional collaborations and support-networks for artists and creative communities, while extending its reach to diverse audiences. The Museum houses a growing collection of more than 10,000 artworks from South Asia, with a focus on the historical trajectories of 20th century Indian art, alongside the experimental practices of young contemporaries. KNMA was established through the initiative of art collector and philanthropist Kiran Nadar and is supported by the Shiv Nadar Foundation.
KNMA is geared to open its new standalone museum building designed by Sir David Adjaye in the NCR in 2025.
www.knma.in