Kozhikode Designated As ‘City Of Literature’ While Gwalior Named ‘City Of Music’ by UNESCO
Kozhikode in Kerala achieved the distinction of being the first city in India to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network under the 'Literature' category.
Kerala’s Kozhikode has been designated as UNESCO’s ‘City of Literature’ on Tuesday.
It is the first city in India to receive this title and it’s just one among the 55 new creative cities.
The designated cities have joined the Unesco Creative Cities Network (UCCN). They were designated by Unesco Director-General Audrey Azoulay.
Kozhikode has a history of hosting various literary festivals such as the Kerala Literary Festival.
Likewise the city of Gwalior was selected by UNESCO for music.
PM Modi took to X and praised the southern city: “Kozhikode's passion for the literary arts has gained global recognition with the UNESCO 'City of Literature' award. With a vibrant literary tradition, this city represents learning and storytelling.”
He said that the initiative by UNESCO Creative Cities Network to include Kozhikode and Gwalior reflects a collective effort to nurture unique cultural narratives.
A city’s commitment towards promoting culture and creativity as part of their developmental strategies is one of the prime factors that is taken into consideration while selecting these cities.
The cities selected represent the following fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts and Music.
The newly designated cities will work with UNESCO Creative Cities Network members on important topics such as climate change, rising inequality and rapid urbanization.
It’s a matter of great pride for India that Kozhikode and Gwalior have entered the elite UNESCO Creative Cities Network.