Pooyam Thirunal Gauri Parvathi Bai awarded France's highest civilian honour

NEW DELHI: Pooyam Thirunal Gauri Parvathi Bai of the Kowdiar royal family has been honored with France's highest civilian award, Chevalier. French Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel Macron appointed her as a Knight in the National Order of the Legion of Honour, as conveyed in a letter by Thierry Matthau.

Established in 1802 by French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, this award is bestowed upon individuals regardless of nationality, who have made exceptional contributions to France.

Gauri Parvati Bai's significant contributions to Indian society, especially in women's welfare and her active role as a French language teacher and Alliance Française activist in Thiruvananthapuram, earned her this recognition. The award acknowledges her enduring friendship with France and her role in fostering Indo-French cooperation, as stated in the ambassador's letter.

The presentation ceremony will be arranged at a mutually convenient time. Narayani Harigovindan, the ambassador's social secretary has been tasked with deciding the date and other details.