Mrs Sangita Jindal, Chairperson of the JSW Foundation, has been conferred with the prestigious French honour, Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters). The award was presented by H.E. Mr Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, at her Mumbai residence, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to arts, culture, heritage conservation, and fostering Indo-French cultural collaborations.
As leader of the JSW Foundation, Mrs Jindal has made culture central to her mission. She has initiated artistic exchanges between India and France, particularly through residencies at the Hampi Art Labs, encouraging dialogue between creators from both nations. In 2024, she collaborated with France during the Paris Olympic Games to showcase the confluence of art and sport. Later this year, she will participate in Textile Matters, an exhibition at the Mobilier National in Paris.
Ambassador Thierry Mathou stated: “Through her passion, vision and generosity, Mrs Jindal has profoundly enriched the cultural landscape of India and brought our two countries closer together. This decoration reflects France’s deep gratitude and admiration for her achievements and her commitment to building cultural bridges. I am convinced this is only the beginning of a very fruitful collaboration and dialogue with our country.”
Accepting the honour, Mrs Jindal remarked: “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from France. It reaffirms my commitment to safeguarding India’s heritage while fostering meaningful cultural bridges between our two nations. I accept this distinction as a tribute to the many artists, craftspeople, conservators, and institutions I have had the privilege to work alongside. Heritage is a living resource that connects generations, and I remain dedicated to ensuring it continues to inspire the future.”
This recognition further underscores Mrs Jindal’s role in championing India’s cultural legacy while building lasting Indo-French cultural partnerships.
