France has awarded the rank of Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters to artist and former Pakistan National Council of Arts director general Jamal Shah.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the French embassy said this decoration, which is one of the main distinctions of ministerial orders of the French Republic, recognises Jamal Shah’s commitment to Pakistani culture and bilateral cooperation between the two friendly countries.

Established in 1957, the Order of Arts and Letters is intended to reward people who have distinguished themselves by their creations in the artistic or literary field or by the contribution to the influence they have brought to the promotion of Arts and Letters in France and in the world. This order includes three ranks (knight, officer and commander).“He (Jamal Shah) tirelessly campaigned for artists and the dissemination of culture. After his studies in Pakistan and in the United Kingdom, he distinguished himself as a sculptor, filmmaker and director of cultural establishments,” the statement said.

In his response, Jamal Shah said he was humbled. “The French government is too generous and somehow acknowledged my contribution when I was just doing my work.”

In his message to young artists, Jamal Shah emphasised that an artist was an agent of change.

The Order of the Arts and Letter have also been awarded to known figures like T.S. Elliot, Sean Connery, Audrey Hepburn, Bob Dylan, Meryl Streep, Bono and Elton John.

Published in Dawn, January 25th, 2021