Ravi Deecee Receives Prestigious French Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres Award

In a significant cultural milestone, Malayalam publisher Ravi Deecee has been conferred the prestigious French honour Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. The award recognizes his outstanding contribution to literature, publishing, and cross cultural exchange, particularly between India and France. The honour was presented on December 4, 2025 at a ceremony held at the Embassy of France in India. Which is highlighting the growing importance of cultural diplomacy and literary collaboration.

Who Conferred the Award?

• The award was conferred by Thierry Mathou the Ambassador of France to India.
• While presenting the honour, he praised Ravi Deecee’s role in transforming DC Books into one of India’s leading publishing houses and for promoting French literature in Indian languages, especially Malayalam.
• The ceremony was attended by several eminent personalities from India’s literary and cultural circles.

About Ravi Deecee and DC Books

• Ravi Deecee is the Publisher and Managing Director of DC Books, one of India’s most respected publishing companies.
• Under his leadership DC Books has grown into a major force in Indian publishing, with a strong focus on regional languages, quality translations, and literary excellence.
• A key contribution of DC Books has been the translation of major French literary works into Malayalam, helping Indian readers access global literature in their mother tongue.

Promoting French Literature in Malayalam

DC Books has published Malayalam translations of works by several renowned French and Francophone authors, including,

• Annie Ernaux
• Jean-Paul Sartre
• Emmanuel Carrère
• David Diop
• Maryse Condé
• Céline and Johanna Gustawsson

These efforts have played a major role in strengthening France–India literary relations and promoting multilingualism and cultural understanding.

Contribution Beyond Publishing

Beyond books, DC Books has actively supported international cultural exchange. It has played a key role in bringing global authors to Kerala through the Vagamon Writer Residency, which is part of the Villa Swagatam programme of the French Embassy.

This long-standing collaboration reflects a shared commitment between DC Books and France to,

• Support writers and translators
• Encourage creative exchange
• Strengthen cultural diplomacy

About the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres

The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters) is a prestigious French civilian honor instituted in 1957. It is awarded to individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the promotion of arts, literature, and culture, both in France and globally.

The order has three ranks,

• Chevalier (Knight)
• Officier (Officer)
• Commandeur (Commander)

Over the decades, it has honored renowned cultural figures such as Le Corbusier and Marcel Pagnol, among many others.

Key Takeaways

• Ravi Deecee, MD of DC Books, received the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
• The award was presented by French Ambassador Thierry Mathou
• It recognises contributions to arts, literature, and cultural exchange
• DC Books is known for translating French literature into Malayalam
• The Order of Arts and Letters was instituted in 1957
• The honour strengthens India–France cultural ties

Question

Q. The Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres award recognises contributions in:

A. Science and Technology
B. Arts, Literature, and Culture
C. Sports and Games
D. Diplomacy and International Relations