Chandigarh, Nov. 30 -- Architect Shivdatt Sharma was awarded the insignia of Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) by Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India at the French embassy in New Delhi. The prestigious French honour came in recognition of his exceptional contribution to modern architecture, his lifelong engagement with Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier's legacy, and his role in strengthening the cultural dialogue between France and India. A self-taught architect, Shivdatt Sharma began his career in Chandigarh at a defining moment in the city's history. He joined the team of Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret, taking part in one of the most ambitious urban projects of the twentieth century. This formative period would go on to mould his architectural vision, and its lessons influence him during his tenure as chief architect of the Indian Space Research Organisation. Lauding him, Ambassador Thierry Mathou said, "In honouring Shivdatt Sharma, France pays tribute to a visionary practitioner whose career continues to shape public understanding of modern architecture and its cultural value." Accepting the honour, Shivdatt Sharma said, "I feel humble and profoundly honoured to receive this most prestigious award from France." Shivdatt Sharma was part of the original Chandigarh Capital Project team. He contributed to the completion of major works of Le Corbusier, including the Government Museum and Art Gallery, and the Museum of Evolution of Life....