July 17, 2023: What is the Legion of Honor? Why did Mr. Modi receive it? What is Bastille Day?
The Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor, France's highest honor, has been presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by French President Emmanuel Macron while he is in France on an official visit.
What is the Legion of Honour?
The Legion of Honour is a very special group in France that recognizes people who have done outstanding things to help others or make the world a better place.
It's like a club of heroes and superstars who have made a big difference in the world. The Grand Cross is the highest honour within this group, and it's given to only the most important and impressive individuals.
According to the official website, The Legion of Honour is awarded for outstanding merit acquired in the service of the nation in a civilian or military capacity.Foreigners who have contributed to France's culture or economy or who have backed French causes like human rights, press freedom, or humanitarian work are eligible for the Legion of Honour decoration.
In fulfilment of international courtesy and in support of France's foreign policy, state visits are also an opportunity to present the Legion of Honor to official persons.
The French National Day (Bastille Day) celebrations will take place on Friday, and PM Modi, who is in France for a two-day state visit, will be the Guest of Honour. He had dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigette Macron at their official residence of the Elysee Palace in Paris after meeting with the head of the French Senate(council), speaking with his French counterpart (correspondent) Elizabeth Borne, and addressing a gathering of the Indian diaspora upon his arrival in Paris on 13 July, Thursday evening (India time).
Why Did Prime Minister Modi Receive It?
Prime Minister Modi has done many incredible things for India and has made a big impact on the world stage. He has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people in India and bring positive changes to the country. His efforts in areas like politics, development, and international relations have been recognized and admired by people around the world.
The Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour is given to people who have shown exceptional leadership, made important contributions to their country, and worked towards building strong relationships with other nations. Prime Minister Modi has been honoured with this award for his remarkable achievements and his efforts to bring positive changes to India and promote friendship between India and France.
Receiving the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour is a big deal! It shows that Prime Minister Modi is highly respected and admired not just in India, but also in France. It's a way for France to say "thank you" and recognize the important work he has done. It's like a big pat on the back for being an incredible leader and making a positive impact on people's lives.
Prime Minister Modi's award also strengthens the friendship between India and France. It shows that both countries appreciate and value each other's efforts in promoting peace, cooperation, and development.
A bit about Bastille Day
France's National Day is celebrated on July 14. It's time for the French to celebrate their shared principles, especially "liberty, equality, and fraternity," which are also found in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. said the French embassy in India. July 14 (also known as "Bastille Day"), one of Paris' revolutionary days and now a national holiday, is observed with a mixture of serious military parades, jovial dancing, and fireworks. France has been celebrating the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, for more than a century. The military parade is held on Paris' popular avenue des Champs-Elysées [literally Champs-Élysées Avenue] every Bastille Day.
Picture source: wikipedia
Bastille was the name of a prison in France, where common people were imprisoned during the rule of Louis XVI (Louis the 16th) in France. Common people were frustrated under his reignas he seized their food supply and increased taxes. Life for common people of France became extremely difficult. For many of the people, the Bastille prison in Paris symbolized everything that was wrong with monarchy and the king's reign. Common people stormed the Bastille and freed the prisoners on July 14, 1789, and took control.
As a result, the French Revolution officially began. The fall of Bastille thus marked an end to the reign of the monarchy and the beginning of the French Revolution. The French Republic was established in 1792, three years later.
But France was destined to make history for another half a decade.
After the French Revolution, the political system of France went through several changes before settling into a stable form of government. Initially, the French Revolution led to the establishment of a republic, which replaced the monarchy that had been overthrown. The first French Republic was established in 1792, and it was governed by a series of elected assemblies and a Committee of Public Safety.
In 1799, the French Revolution entered a new phase when Napoleon Bonaparte, a military general, seized power in a coup d'état and established himself as the first consul of the French Republic. He later declared himself emperor of France in 1804, and he ruled the country until his defeat in 1815.
After Napoleon's defeat, France was briefly ruled by a monarchy again, with Louis XVIII as king. However, the monarchy was overthrown once again during the July Revolution of 1830, which led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy under King Louis Philippe I. This system of government lasted until the Revolution of 1848, which led to the establishment of the French Second Republic.