CM to officially declare Kozhikode’s ‘UNESCO City of Literature’ title on June 23

Kozhikode: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will make the official announcement of Kozhikode being bestowed with the ‘UNESCO City of Literature’ title on June 23. Kozhikode received this title on October 31, 2023.

The city, which has turned into an arena for literary and cultural events, is recognised by UNESCO as the ‘City of Literature’. This is the first time that a city in India has received such a title. The chief minister will be making the official announcement regarding the same at a function to be held at the Sree Narayana Centenary Hall.

The Kozhikode Corporation had begun preparations for the city of literature from December 2021 onward. Several discussions were held with representatives from cities of literary prominence like Prague and Edinburgh. The preparations were made after conducting studies on why Kozhikode deserves this status.

The varied literary and cultural events, lively debates, various libraries, places for reading and cultural events, active participation in theatre, and other activities, along with the inputs of writers, publishers, and media for literary development, aided Kozhikode in winning this title.

With the status of becoming a ‘city of literature’, a chance to carry out discourses with cities in the literary circles, literary tourism, and opportunities for writers to come and be part of literary events along with literary and cultural exchange will be made available. KILA (Kerala Institute of Local Administration), NIT Calicut, and various other institutions and associations have contributed towards helping Kozhikode receive this prestigious title.