Kerala’s Kozhikode and Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior have recently achieved international acclaim by joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, marking World Cities Day with a prestigious honour. This recognition underlines their dedication to culture, creativity, and innovative urban planning.
Kozhikode’s Literary Triumph
Kozhikode, now known as the ‘City of Literature,’ began its journey toward this achievement in 2022 when the Kerala Institute of Local Administration proposed the idea. The Kozhikode Corporation partnered with the University of Prague in the Czech Republic, the first city to earn the ‘City of Literature’ title in 2014. Ludmila Kolouchova, a research student from the University of Prague, played a crucial role in Kozhikode’s success. Her comparative study highlighted Kozhikode’s robust literary foundation, boasting over 500 libraries and more than 70 publishers. The city’s hosting of the annual Kerala Literature Festival and numerous book festivals further strengthened its claim.
Kozhikode met UNESCO’s stringent criteria with its numerous literary institutions, vast experience in organizing literary events, and a high level of literary education. The city’s literary activities, characterized by both quality and diversity, secured its place on the Creative Cities list.
Gwalior’s Musical Legacy
Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, now holds the ‘City of Music’ title. This recognition is a tribute to its rich musical history, with legends like Tansen and Baliti Bawra, and the esteemed Gwalior Gharana. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia played a pivotal role in advocating for Gwalior’s inclusion in UNESCO’s list.
“The City of Gwalior is known for legends in the sector of music like Sangeet Samrat Tansen and Baliti Bawra,” said Scindia. “It is also considered to be the birthplace of Gwalior Gharana, the eponymously named oldest Hindustani musical Gharana.”
With these latest additions, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network now boasts 350 creative cities in more than 100 countries, spanning seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music. The newly designated creative cities will participate in the UCCN annual conference in Braga, Portugal, from July 1 to 5, 2024, under the theme ‘Bringing Youth to the Table for the Next Decade.’
In conclusion, Kozhikode’s literary heritage and Gwalior’s musical legacy have earned them well-deserved recognition on the global stage as they join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. These achievements are a testament to India’s rich cultural diversity and commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in urban planning.
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