Kozhikode named 'City of Literature' by UNESCO; Kerala celebrates
Kozhikode has been the hub of literary activities due to legendary Malayalam writer and Jnanpith laureate MT Vasudevan Nair for several decades
Renowned for its cultural richness and home to literary greats like the late SK Pottakkad and Vaikom Muhammed Basheer, Kozhikode has been awarded the esteemed title of 'City of Literature' by UNESCO.
This recognition consolidates its reputation as a centre for literary enthusiasts in the southern state. The UN agency's announcement saw celebrations across the north Kerala district, with greetings pouring in from various quarters.
Known as the city of Zamorins once, Kozhikode, which was also known as Calicut during British rule, served as the gateway to the coast for many foreigners, such as Persians, Arabs, Chinese, and eventually Europeans, centuries ago.
The cradle of the freedom movement in Kerala, Kozhikode has also been an important destination for book festivals for many decades.
A gift on Kerala Foundation Day
State tourism minister PA Mohammed Riyas, who represents Beypore constituency in the district in the state assembly, said the UN agency's recognition is a gift to the state, as Kerala celebrates its formation day on Wednesday (November 1).
Kozhikode is the historical city of the southern state, and now it has been recognised as the City of Literature as well, he said. “It's a recognition not only for Kozhikode but also for the entire state,” he said.
The happiness is sweeter, as it is the first time a city in India has ever received such a recognition, the minister added.
A recognition well deserved
Kozhikode mayor Beena Philip said the relentless efforts of a host of people, including writers, journalists, publishers, local libraries, and ordinary people, helped the city win the UNESCO recognition. “It is a deserving recognition,” she told reporters, adding that the people of the city are the real winners.
Stating that Kozhikode is a city where there are over 500 libraries functioning despite being a small place, Philip said it may be very rare. The number of publishing houses and presence of newspapers in Kozhikode also might have contributed to UNESCO's recognition, the mayor added.
Leading publisher Ravi Deecee, managing partner of the Kottayam-based well-known DC Books, said literature, art, music, and dance are part of the culture of Kozhikode.
It is Calicut, not Kolkata
He said probably another place in the country on the same lines as Calicut (as Kozhikode is commonly called) might be Kolkata. “People thought Kolkata would be the first... but Calicut got the first City of Literature tag by UNESCO in the country, which is a great thing,” he said.
The northern city boasts hundreds of publishers and bookshops, he said. He claimed that the annual Kerala Literature Festival, organised by the DC Books in Kozhikode for the last six years, also "tremendously" contributed to the city winning the UNESCO tag. Next is going to be the 7th edition of the KLF in Kozhikode, he added.
Kozhikode has been the hub of literary activities of legendary Malayalam writer and Jnanpith laureate MT Vasudevan Nair for several decades.
Gwalior and Kozhikode from India are among the 55 new cities that have joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
UNESCO made the announcement on its official website on Tuesday (October 31).
These new cities were acknowledged for "their strong commitment to harnessing culture and creativity as part of their development strategies and displaying innovative practices in human-centred urban planning", the UN agency said in a statement.
Kozhikode and Gwalior join 55 cities
On World Cities Day, 55 cities joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), following their designation by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, it added. While Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh has made it to the coveted list in the 'Music' category, Kozhikode in Kerala has earned a place in the 'Literature' category.
Earlier, Union tourism minister G Kishan Reddy praised Kozhikode and Gwalior for their recognition and said that it was a proud moment for India. “These cities get acknowledged & recognition for their strong commitment to harnessing culture and creativity. Congratulations to all stakeholders!,” he said on his X handle.
Meanwhile, taking note of the development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated both Kozhikode and Gwalior for the achievement. Taking to Twitter, the prime minister wrote, “India's cultural vibrancy shines brighter on the global stage with Kozhikode's rich literary legacy and Gwalior's melodious heritage now joining the esteemed UNESCO Creative Cities Network.”
(With agency inputs)
