Where the UK has its knighthood, and France its Legion of Honour, Germany rewards its loyal citizens and foreigners with the Federal Cross of Merit.
Germany has conferred the ‘Cross of the Order of Merit’, the highest civilian honour awarded to individuals for their services to the country, to Mr Rajesh Nath, Managing Director, VDMA India.
The award, also known as Bundesverdienstkreuz or Federal Cross of Merit was instituted in 1951. It is Germany’s only honour that is awarded to both Germans and foreigners in all fields of endeavour. It is the highest tribute paid to individuals for achievements in economic, social, political or intellectual realm.
The Cross of Merit along with the certificate signed by the President of the Federal Republic of Germany – Dr. Frank Walter Steinmeier, was handed over to Mr Nath by the Hon’ble Consul General of Germany in Kolkata – Dr. Michael Feiner at the German Consulate on 6th October, 2017.
About Rajesh Nath
Mr. Nath is a Mechanical Engineer followed by International Business Program from IIM Kolkata. He has 27 years of experience in Indo – German trade working with several reputed German and Indian companies in various sectors. During this period the export of German machinery to India has increased almost 6 folds and the number of VDMA members in India now stands at around 550.
Since 1999 he has been working with the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) which he is heading as Managing Director. He has played a pivotal role in promoting and strengthening the business and economic ties between India and Germany.
VDMA (Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau, German Engineering Association) represents over 3,100 mostly medium-sized companies in the capital goods industry, making it the largest industry association in Europe. Established in 1892 and based out of Frankfurt, the association represents the shared financial, technical and scientific interests of the mechanical engineering industry, especially with respect to national and international authorities and business groups.
This year VDMA is celebrating 125 years under the motto – Man, Machine and progress.
