Naryanamurthy receives Legion of Honour

New Delhi, Jan 26 (UNI) Infosys Chief N R Naryanamurthy was today conferred upon the Officer of the Legion of Honour, the highest civilian distinction of the France Government.

The honour was bestowed on the veteran entrepreneur by French Minister of Higher Education and Research Valerie Pecresse at a function held here this evening.

Mr Naryanamurthy had founded Infosys in 1981 along with six friends, Mr Pecresse said, adding that the company had grown from 215 to a multi-million-dollar firm under his guidance.

''Infosys, which employs over 82,000 staff, is a shining example of development in India,'' Mr Pecresse said.

The Legion of Honour is the highest distinction that can be conferred in France on a French citizen as well as on a foreigner.

Created in 1802 by Napolean Bonaparte, the Legion of Honour is the highest honour given by the French Republic for outstanding service to France, regardless of the social status or the nationality of the recipients.

Film director Satyajit Ray, sitar maestro Ravi Shankar and mega superstar Amitabh Bachchan are three other Indians who have received the award.

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