Kozhikode in northern Kerala has been officially declared as India’s first UNESCO ‘City of Literature’. The announcement was made by State Local Self Government Department (LSGD) Minister, M B Rajesh, during a recent event. Kozhikode was recognized for its rich cultural heritage and values such as humanity, harmony, justice, and freedom of expression.
The city's efficient administration by the Kozhikode city corporation played a significant role in securing this prestigious title. Going forward, June 23 will be celebrated as the ‘City of Literature’ Day of Kozhikode, honoring renowned literary figures associated with the city. Kozhikode, historically known as Calicut, has a legacy of welcoming diverse cultures and has been a hub for literary activities.
The city has over 500 functioning libraries and has been closely linked to the works of legendary Malayalam writer M T Vasudevan Nair. In the recent UNESCO Creative Cities Network update, Gwalior and Kozhikode were among the 55 new cities added, with Gwalior recognized for ‘Music’ and Kozhikode for ‘Literature’.
These cities join a distinguished list of UNESCO Creative Cities spanning various creative fields like Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music. The UCCN now includes 350 cities worldwide, showcasing a commitment to culture, creativity, and innovative urban planning.
Newly designated Creative Cities are invited to participate in the upcoming UCCN Annual Conference in Braga, Portugal, with a focus on involving youth in shaping the future.
