News Excerpt:
Kozhikode in Kerala has been declared India’s First UNESCO ‘City of Literature’.
About Kozhikode
- Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is a vibrant city in Kerala with a rich historical and cultural legacy.
- Renowned as an ancient trading hub, it is famously the site where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama first landed in India in 1498.
- The city is celebrated for its pristine beaches, such as Kozhikode Beach and Beypore Beach, where one can enjoy breathtaking sunsets and witness traditional wooden boat craftsmanship.
- Kozhikode is also famous for its culinary treasures, particularly its Malabar cuisine, which is known for its aromatic spices and seafood delicacies.
- Kozhikode continues to captivate tourists and scholars alike, making it a fascinating destination in Kerala.
UNESCO City of Literature program
- The UNESCO City of Literature program is a part of the larger Creative Cities Network, which was initiated in 2004.
- This network now includes 350 UNESCO Creative Cities worldwide.
- It is spanning over 90 countries and encompassing seven creative fields: Crafts & Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Music, and Media Arts.
- The Network originated from UNESCO's Global Alliance for Cultural Diversity initiative, launched in 2002.
- The UNESCO Cities of Literature network includes 53 cities from 39 countries across six continents.
- To be designated as a City of Literature, cities must meet several UNESCO criteria, including:
- High quality, quantity, and diversity of publishing in the city
- Comprehensive educational programs focused on literature at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels
- Significant roles for literature, drama, and poetry within the city
- Hosting literary events and festivals that promote both domestic and international literature
- The presence of libraries, bookstores, and cultural centers that preserve, promote, and disseminate literature
- Active participation of the publishing sector in translating literary works from various national and international languages
- Engagement of traditional and new media in promoting literature and enhancing the market for literary products.
