Modern Indian artist Sayed Haider Raza, has been conferred the highest French civilian honour, the Commandeur de la Legion d’ Honneur (the Legion of Honour) for his peerless achievements. To mark celebrations of the French National Day, the award was bestowed by ambassador Francois Richier at a function at the French Embassy, New Delhi, last evening.

The French honour was conferred on the 93-year-old artist in acknowledgment of his “peerless achievements transcending all boundaries”. Created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the award is given for outstanding service to France, regardless of recipients’ nationality.