Indian scientist Swati Piramal Conferred With Top French Honour

Indian scientist and industrialist Dr. Swati Piramal has been conferred France's top civilian honour for her contributions in the fields of science, medicine, and business.

During a visit to India this week, Catherine Colonna, France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs honoured Piramal with Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur or Knight of the Legion of Honour was conferred on her in an investiture ceremony. The award was conferred on behalf of French President Emmanuel Macron.

Who is Swati Piramal?

She is the vice-chairperson of the Piramal Group, a business conglomerate with interests in pharmaceuticals, financial services, real estate, and glass packaging.

Catherine Colonna at the event said, "Dr. Piramal is not only a leading and outstanding businesswoman, but also a businesswoman who gives back to society. Her strong influence on business and industry, public policy, healthcare governance, and women's leadership is widely recognised in India and abroad," as per a report.

"Through this award, France also wishes to recognise Dr. Piramal at the highest level as a true friend of France, a driving force to advance Indo-French ties in the fields of science, arts, culture, cuisine, and business," added Colonna.

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Piramal expressed that her focus has been on innovations, new medicines, and public health. She believes in encouraging India-France ties across business and industry. She stated, "I am truly humbled to be conferred the Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur. This honour is also a recognition of the efforts by my colleagues at Piramal, both in India and internationally, across trade and business, science, arts, and culture."

For Piramal, it is the second honour by France. It follows the Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Merite, France's second highest civilian honour Knight of the Order of Merit, in 2016.

The Legion of Honour is the highest civilian award conferred by the French Republic for outstanding service to France irrespective of nationality. It was created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. 

The Piramal Museum of Art in Mumbai is currently hosting the 'Science beyond Borders' exhibition, curated by the French Institute and its partners. The exhibition is part of Bonjour India 2022, a large-scale cultural and artistic festival organised by France to mark India's 75th anniversary of Independence and the diplomatic ties.