India's former President Pratibha Devisingh Patil has been conferred the "Orden Mexicana del Aguila Azteca" (Order of the Aztec Eagle) - the highest civilian award of Mexico given to foreigners, at Pune on Saturday.
Ambassador of Mexico to India (Ms) Melba Pria, presented the Mexico's civilian award on Patil -who was this country's first woman to become the first Head of State from 2007 to 2012), at a special ceremony held in the MCCIA Bhavan, Pune On Friday morning.
Eighty-five-year-old Patil became only the second Indian head of state to have been chosen the award. Earlier, the late President Dr. S. Radhakrishnahomne old have beeni liased been conferred this honour.
Mexico's highest civilian award for foreigners is in recognition of their outstanding services to the Mexican nation or humanity, significant contributions to strengthening the bilateral relations between Mexico and other countries.
The Royal Eagle is Mexico's national animal, sacred for the Aztec and it is present on the National Emblem of the Mexican flag.
"It is an essential symbol that links their Aztec past with the modern nation. It is of gold and turquoise and is given to express the respect and admiration of the Mexican people," a spokesperson added.
This award is usually awarded to chiefs of Stat or Government. Ambassadors, ater serving in Mexico, important personalities, who have made great contributions for the Arts, Science or humanitarian work and those who have done a great service and to Mexico or to Mexicans.
Created by a decree in 1933 by the then President of Mexico, Abelardo L. Rodriguez, it is awarded to prominent heads of state or government, ambassadors after they have served in Mexico and important personalities who have made major contribution in various fields, service to the country or its people.
The award comes in five degrees - Collar, Sash of Special Category, Sash, Plaque, Venera and Insignia.
Previous Indian recipients in various categories include Nobel laureate Prof. Amartya Sen, renowned artist Satish Gujral, industrialist Raghupati Singhania, Hon. Consul-General of Mexico in Mumbai Rajju Shroff and others.
Renowned global personalities conferred the award include: Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip (Great Britain), Emperor Mohammed Reza (Iran), King Juan Carlos I, Queen Sofia (Spain), Josip Broz Tito (Yugoslavia), President Charles de Gaulle (France), President Dwight D. Eisenhower (USA), King Mohammed VI (Morocco), King Carl Gustaf XVI (Sweden), President Julius Nyerere (Tanzania),
Queen Margrethe II (Denmark), President Nelson Mandela (South Africa), Queen Beatrix (The Netherlands) and more.
