French govt to honour Aruna Sairam with Chevalier award

CHENNAI: Carnatic vocalist Aruna Sairam will be conferred the Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Mérite, the Knight of the Order of the Merit, by the French government. She has been selected for her singing talent and contribution to the development of Indo-France relations.


Consul general of France in Pondicherry and Chennai Lise Talbot Barre made the announcement on Tuesday. "This award is a symbol of our country's appreciation for your numerous contributions to the French and international art world," said the ambassador.

"I am happy to receive such a prestigious award for doing my duty as a musician and as a cultural heir of our country. It also gives me an additional responsibility to continue my work and take it to the next level," said Aruna Sairam.

Aruna Sairam has received many awards, including the Padma Shri from the Government of India and the Sangeetha Kalanidhi Award from the Music Academy.