Correct Answer : Option (B) - Aruna Sairam
Carnatic vocalist, composer, collaborator, humanitarian and speaker "Aruna Sairam" has been honoured with the French government's highest honour- Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres award.
Aruna Sairam has been selected for this award not just for her singing prowess but also for her contribution towards the development of the Indo-France relationship.
Announcing the award, Consul General of France in Chennai Lise Talbot Barré said that the Minister of Culture of the French Republic, Rima Abdul Malak appointed Aruna Sairam to the rank of Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
Lise said, "This award is the unequivocal token of my country’s appreciation for your brilliant career and of your numerous contributions to the French and international art scene."
"You have carried for over 30 years the marvelous beauty and subtility of Carnatic music in India and across the world. This award thus underlines the friendship that you have always carried with France.
Aruna Sairam began her
classical training under her mother,
Rajalakshmi Sethuraman. She then became a disciple of
legendary vocalist,
Sangita Kalanidhi T. Brinda, thereby continuing an illustrious line of women singers of the
Tanjore tradition for more than
8 generations. Later, she was mentored by several other maestros of our country..
Source : Deccanherald