Kozhikode in Kerala and Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh have secured their positions on the global platform by becoming members of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. During the celebration of World Cities Day, UNESCO revealed a distinguished roster of 55 new creative cities, acknowledging the dedication of these Indian cities to culture, creativity, and inventive urban development.
Prime Minister Modi stated that with Kozhikode’s rich literary tradition, India’s cultural vibrancy shines brightly on the global scene. He also emphasised Gwalior’s commitment to maintaining and strengthening its musical history, which he claimed is being echoed around the world.
Kozhikode, recognized as the ‘City of Literature,’ has achieved a significant milestone for India, owing to its vibrant literary culture. The city’s journey to this accomplishment, initiated in 2022 through a proposal by the Kerala Institute of Local Administration, gained momentum with the active involvement of the Kozhikode Corporation and the University of Prague, the first city to be bestowed with this esteemed title.
Ludmila Kolouchova, a research student from the University of Prague, played a crucial role in Kozhikode’s success by highlighting its strong literary foundation, extensive network of libraries and publishers, and its role as a host for various literary events. Meeting the rigorous criteria set by UNESCO, Kozhikode’s diverse and high-quality literary activities solidified its place on the UNESCO Creative Cities list.
Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, has been honored with the prestigious title of ‘City of Music’ due to its rich musical legacy, including eminent figures such as Tansen and Baliti Bawra, and its renowned Gwalior Gharana.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia played a key role in advocating for Gwalior’s addition to UNESCO’s list, emphasizing the city’s significant musical heritage. Recent efforts have focused on enhancing the city’s infrastructure to meet the standards of a global metropolis.
With these new inclusions, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network now comprises 350 creative cities across over 100 countries, spanning various creative fields. The newly appointed creative cities are set to participate in the UCCN annual conference in Braga, Portugal, from July 1 to 5, 2024, with the theme ‘Bringing Youth to the Table for the Next Decade.’
