Kozhikode, Kerala, July 8: In a recent announcement, Kozhikode or Calicut was officially recognized as India’s first UNESCO ‘City of Literature’. The honor, bestowed by UNESCO, opens up numerous opportunities for the city, said Kerala’s Minister for Local Self-Government M.B. Rajesh during the formal event. He compared Kozhikode to London, highlighting its welcoming nature and enduring spirit of freedom.
Minister Rajesh celebrated the city’s rich cultural heritage, noting its notable writers, including two Jnanpith awardees, and its significant contributions to cinema, music, and media. The announcement ceremony was attended by prominent figures such as Mayor Beena Philip, Minister for Tourism P.A. Mohamed Riyas, MLA Thottathil Raveendran, lyricist and musician Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri, and former MLA A. Pradeep Kumar.
The recognition not only honors Kozhikode’s vibrant literary and cultural landscape but also promises to enhance its global standing and foster further artistic endeavors.
