Kozhikode Named India's First UNESCO 'City of Literature'

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On 23rd June 2024, Kozhikode in north Kerala became India's first UNESCO "City of Literature."

An Overview of the News

• PA Mohammed Riyas, Kerala's Tourism Minister, unveiled the UNESCO "City of Literature" logo.

• The "City of Literature" Day of Kozhikode was declared, starting from 2024, to be celebrated annually on 23rd June across Kerala.

• MB Rajesh, from the State Local Self Government Department (LSGD), made this announcement during an official event in Kozhikode.

Background and UNESCO Creative Cities Network:

• On 31st October 2023, Kozhikode and Gwalior were the only Indian cities among 55 cities globally designated in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).

• Kozhikode was named UNESCO "City of Literature," while Gwalior was designated UNESCO "City of Music."

• UCCN includes 350 cities from over 100 countries across seven creative fields, including Literature.

About Kozhikode:

• Formerly known as Calicut during British rule, Kozhikode is historically significant as the city of Zamorins.

• It served as a crucial gateway to India for foreigners, including Persians, Arabs, Chinese, and Europeans, notably Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498.

• Kozhikode boasts over 500 functioning libraries and has been a hub for literary activities, home to renowned Malayalam writer MT Vasudevan Nair.

About UNESCO:

• Director General (DG):- Audrey Azoulay

• Headquarters:- Paris, France

• Established:-1945