Azim Premji conferred with highest French Civilian award de la Lgion d’Honneur

Bengaluru, November 28:

Wipro Ltd Chairman Azim Premji has been conferred with the highest French civilian award, Chevalier de la Lgion d’Honneur–‘Knight of the Legion of Honour’ by the Ambassador of France to India, Alexandre Ziegler.

Speaking on the occasion here on Wednesday, Ambassador Ziegler said, The award was bestowed on Azim Premji for his outstanding contribution to developing the Information Technology industry in India, his economic outreach in France, and his laudable contribution to society as a philanthropist through the Azim Premji Foundation and Azim Premji University.The Lgion d’Honneur (the Legion of Honour), instituted in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, 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, according to a release here.

Mr Premji, in his address after receiving the award, said, I am extremely honoured by the award bestowed on me. The vibrancy of the French democracy and its diversity is an inspiration to all across the world.He said that Wipro’s association with France spans over 15 years and the company enjoys a close relationship with several French organisations. Nearly 65 per cent of Wipro’s employees in France are locals. France is a key market for Wipro and the company is committed to continued investments there.