Pooyam Thirunal Gowri Parvathi Bayi to be honoured with Chevalier Legion d'Honneur

NEW DELHI: Pooyam Thirunal Gowri Parvathi Bayi of the Kowdiar royal family was conferred with 'Chevalier Legion d'Honneur', the highest civilian honour by the French government. French Ambassador to India Dr. Thierry Mathou informed the news in a letter forwarded to the royal family.

The award was established in 1802 by the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. This award is given to individuals of any nationality who have made extraordinary contributions to France.

The award recognizes Gowri Parvathi Bayi’s invaluable contribution to Indian society, particularly women's welfare, and Indo-French camaraderie. As a French language teacher and an energetic activist of the Alliance française in Thiruvananthapuram, Gowri Parvathy Bayi is a lifelong friend of France and a partner in Indo-French cooperation, the ambassador's letter mentioned.

The award will be presented at a special ceremony to be organized on a day convenient for both parties. Narayani Harigovindan, the social secretary of the ambassador, was tasked to decide the date for the event. Royal family member Aswathi Thirunal was recently awarded the Padma Shri.