New Delhi, Oct 24 (IANS): Naz Foundation founder and executive director Anjali Gopalan will be awarded the Knight of the Legion of Honour, the highest French civilian distinction, Friday, an official statement said Thursday.
The award will be conferred on Gopalan at a ceremony here by Women's Rights Minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, who is visiting India Oct 25-28.
"This distinction comes in recognition of Gopalan's tireless efforts to combat violence against women, reach out to persons affected by HIV-AIDS, and fight sexual discrimination," the statement said.
Instituted in 1802 by then French ruler Napoleon Bonaparte, the Legion d'Honneur (Legion of Honour) is the highest civilian distinction that can be conferred by France on a French citizen or a foreigner.