French Connection

A day after World Human Rights Day was celebrated across the globe, the Embassy of France celebrated the symbolic opening of the French Human Rights House in Chanakyapuri8217;s Diplomatic Enclave. Jeacute;rome Bonnafont, ambassador of France to India, unveiled a plaque engraved with the 1948 United Nations Human Rights Declaration. Photographer Raghu Rai and author Upamanyu Chatterjee were decorated with the highly coveted award of the Officier des Arts et des Lettres Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters, reserved for people who have made significant contributions to the arts and literature. The evening was attended by many of Rai and Chatterjee8217;s friends. 8220;My bandhgala comes out only on special occasions,8221; smiled Chatterjee. 8220;The first time was when I took oath as a civil servant and the second, on my wedding. But this award is almost as special an occasion.8221; Other international recipients of this award include actor George Clooney and musician Paul Anka.