Kozhikode: India’s First UNESCO City of Literature

In an illustrious recognition, Kozhikode, Kerala, has been officially declared India's first UNESCO City of Literature on June 23. This accolade places Kozhikode in the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) under the 'Literature' category. Kozhikode, along with Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, joined the network in October 2023, on World Cities Day, highlighting India's rich cultural diversity. While Gwalior earned its place in the 'Music' category, Kozhikode's inclusion in the 'Literature' category reflects its profound literary heritage. Historically known as Calicut, Kozhikode has long been a significant cultural and commercial hub. It was once the gateway to the Indian coast for traders from Persia, Arabia, China, and Europe. The city has a rich history intertwined with literature and freedom movements. Today, Kozhikode is renowned for its vibrant literary culture, home to over 70 publishing houses producing 400 to 500 books annually and more than 500 libraries serving thousands of avid readers. The city’s literary landscape is dynamic and diverse, hosting numerous festivals year-round. Among these, the 40-day Beypore Art, Craft, Tourism, and Literature Festival stands out, commemorating the legacy of renowned author Vaikom Muhammad Basheer. Additionally, the Kerala Literature Festival, one of India's largest literary events, attracts a global audience, spotlighting authors, artists, and book professionals. The UCCN, launched in 2004, aims to harness creativity as a driver for sustainable urban development, emphasizing economic, social, cultural, and environmental growth. Cities in the network commit to sharing best practices, fostering creative industries, and integrating culture into urban development strategies. This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, promoting creativity across seven fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music. Minister for Tourism, P.A. Mohamed Riyas, unveiled the logo and website for "Kozhikode - City of Literature," highlighting the Malabar Literary Circuit, including Beypore and Vaikom Muhammad Basheer's home, as key attractions. Mayor M. Beena Philip announced that June 23 would be celebrated annually as 'City of Literature Day.' She also introduced the 'City of Literature' awards, which will honor contributions in various literary categories, including comprehensive contribution, women writers, young writers, children's literature, and translations. These awards will be presented during an annual cultural festival, further cementing Kozhikode's status as a literary hub. Kozhikode’s inclusion as a City of Literature opens new avenues for cultural and economic growth. Kerala’s Minister for Local Self-Government, M.B. Rajesh, emphasized the city's welcoming and freedom-loving spirit, likening it to London’s historical role as a cultural epicenter. Rajesh highlighted the contributions of Kozhikode’s writers, filmmakers, musicians, and media professionals in achieving this honor.