Ravi Deecee, a prominent figure in Indian publishing, has received one of France's highest cultural honors for his significant contributions to literature and cross-cultural communication. This recognition highlights his long-standing efforts to enhance Malayalam publishing and promote world literature among Indian readers.
On December 4, the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres was awarded to Ravi Deecee, the Publisher and Managing Director of DC Books, by H.E. Thierry Mathou, the French Ambassador to India. The award ceremony, held at the Embassy of France, was graced by notable figures from India's literary and cultural spheres. This esteemed honor is conferred by the French government to acknowledge remarkable contributions to arts and literature globally.
Ambassador Thierry Mathou underscored Deecee's pivotal role in elevating DC Books to one of India's leading publishing houses. Under his stewardship, DC Books has developed an extensive catalog of translated works, particularly from French literature into Malayalam. This initiative has significantly enhanced the literary dialogue between India and France, broadening access to global ideas for readers of regional languages.
DC Books has published Malayalam translations of renowned French authors such as Annie Ernaux, Louis-Ferdinand Céline, Jean-Paul Sartre, Emmanuel Carrère, David Diop, Johanna Gustawsson, and Maryse Condé. This consistent focus on translation has promoted multilingualism and literary creativity, aligning seamlessly with France's cultural diplomacy goals.
The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, established by France in 1957, honors individuals for their contributions to arts, culture, and literature. The title of Chevalier is one of the three tiers of this prestigious order. DC Books stands out as a leading Malayalam publishing house based in Kerala.
Apart from publishing, DC Books has been instrumental in promoting international literary engagement through the Vagamon Writer Residency in Kerala. This residency, part of the French Embassy's Villa Swagatam program since its inception, invites international authors to India. In accepting this accolade, Ravi Deecee emphasized the transformative power of literature in fostering empathy, imagination, and shared cultural values across generations and borders.
Q1. What is the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres?
Answer: The Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres is a prestigious French honor awarded for significant contributions to arts and literature. It recognizes individuals who promote cultural exchange globally.
Q2. Who is Ravi Deecee?
Answer: Ravi Deecee is the Publisher and Managing Director of DC Books, a leading Malayalam publishing house known for its extensive catalog of translated works, especially from French literature.
Q3. How has DC Books contributed to Malayalam literature?
Answer: DC Books has enriched Malayalam literature by translating major works from various languages, primarily French, thereby promoting multilingualism and cultural exchange.
Q4. What role does the Vagamon Writer Residency play?
Answer: The Vagamon Writer Residency fosters international literary engagement by inviting authors from around the world to interact with Indian writers, enhancing cultural dialogue.
Q5. What is the significance of literary translation?
Answer: Literary translation plays a crucial role in making global literature accessible to local readers, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation of diverse literary traditions.
Question 1: What honor did Ravi Deecee receive from France?
A) Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
B) Knight of the Legion of Honor
C) Global Literary Award
D) International Book Award
Correct Answer: A
Question 2: What is the primary language of DC Books?
A) Hindi
B) English
C) Malayalam
D) Tamil
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: In which year was the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres established?
A) 1950
B) 1957
C) 1965
D) 1970
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Who presented the award to Ravi Deecee?
A) The President of India
B) The Prime Minister of France
C) The French Ambassador to India
D) A noted author
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: Which of the following authors has been translated by DC Books?
A) Gabriel Garcia Marquez
B) Haruki Murakami
C) Annie Ernaux
D) Jhumpa Lahiri
Correct Answer: C
Question 6: What is the purpose of the Vagamon Writer Residency?
A) To publish local authors
B) To invite international authors to India
C) To host literary festivals
D) To provide scholarships for writers
Correct Answer: B
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