Bengaluru, November 6, 2026: Renowned cardiac surgeon and Founder and Chairman of Narayana Health, Dr. Devi Shetty, has been conferred the prestigious Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite (Knight of the National Order of Merit) by the Government of France. The honour was presented at a special ceremony held at Narayana Health City in Bengaluru on November 6.
Established on December 3, 1963, by French President Charles de Gaulle, the Ordre national du Mérite is one of France’s two national orders of distinction and the country’s second-highest national honour after the Legion of Honour. It recognises exceptional service and outstanding contributions by individuals across public and private sectors.
Dr. Shetty has been recognised for his generosity, commitment and exceptional support to the French community in Bengaluru during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time of unprecedented global challenges, he and Narayana Health extended support to the French Consulate and the wider French community through vaccination initiatives and logistical assistance, demonstrating a remarkable spirit of solidarity and cooperation.
Widely recognised for his contribution to global healthcare, Dr. Devi Shetty has dedicated his career to making quality medical services more accessible and affordable. A cardiac surgeon by training, he has pioneered innovative healthcare delivery models, promoted the use of technology and played a significant role in institution-building. His contributions have strengthened access to medical care across India and internationally, including the Cayman Islands and the United Kingdom. He has also been a strong advocate of affordable health insurance, medical education and research.
Speaking at the felicitation ceremony, Marc Lamy, Consul General of France in Bengaluru, said, “We are delighted to recognise Dr. Devi Shetty for his generosity and unwavering support to the French community in Bangalore during the pandemic. His actions reflect the true spirit of solidarity and the enduring friendship between France and India.”
Receiving the honour, Dr. Devi Shetty expressed his gratitude to the Government of France and said, “I am truly honoured to receive this recognition from the Government of France. During the pandemic, we were happy to extend our support to the French community in Bangalore. It was a difficult time for everyone, and standing together and helping one another was what mattered most. I am grateful to our teams who made this possible.”
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Consulate General of France, members of the Narayana Health Board, the organisation’s leadership team, members of the French community and other distinguished guests.
