Aditi Maheshwari, the Executive Director of Vani Prakashan, a leading Hindi language publishing house, was honored with the esteemed Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India. The prestigious award ceremony unfolded at the French Embassy, recognizing Ms. Maheshwari’s exceptional achievements in the realm of Hindi publishing and her unwavering commitment to advancing feminist voices in the Hindi language.
In his commendation during the investiture, Ambassador Thierry Mathou lauded Ms. Maheshwari’s substantial contributions, remarking, “It is an honor to present the Chevalier des Arts et Lettres to Ms. Aditi Maheshwari for her dedication to Hindi language literature and her initiatives to make world literature accessible to Hindi readers. Her ascent to a prominent position in the male-dominated publishing industry is an inspiration to all, marking a significant step towards gender equality.”
Expressing her heartfelt gratitude upon receiving this prestigious honor, Aditi Maheshwari stated, “Vani Prakashan Group stands at the epicenter of an inclusive Hindi and Indian languages public sphere. Like the French, we too uphold the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. I extend my thanks to H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou for conferring this esteemed honor on me, accepting it with gratitude on behalf of the authors, the Hindi language, and its rich literary history.”
The award ceremony coincided with the unveiling of the book cover of “The Second Sex” by Simone de Beauvoir, translated into Hindi by Monica Singh. This forthcoming translation, scheduled for release in February, promises Hindi readers access to the complete range of Simone de Beauvoir’s profound thoughts and vision, expanding their literary horizons.
To commemorate the occasion, a round-table discussion on the influence of French critical thought on the Hindi public sphere was organized. Distinguished speakers, including Rohini Aggarwal, Ashok Vajpayee, Anamika, and Monica Singh, engaged in a stimulating conversation with Aditi Maheshwari, exploring the cultural intersections between French and Hindi literature.
This recognition not only celebrates Aditi Maheshwari’s individual accomplishments but also underscores the significance of promoting diversity and inclusivity in the realm of literature. The event highlights the cultural exchange between India and France, fostering a stronger bond between the two nations through a shared appreciation of language and ideas.
The event was graced by the presence of eminent personalities such as Shashi Tharoor, Aman Nath, Namita Gokhle, Danish Raza, Faouzia Dastukar, Ashok Bajpai, and many more who attended the event to congratulate Aditi Maheshwari.
