A Rich Literary Tradition
Kozhikode is also called Calicut has a historical connection with literature, art and culture. It is the home of various cultures, hence the rich cultural diversity can be seen in the literary and artistic works. The city has witnessed the creative output of many fictional writers, poets, and literary professionals who have contributed to the Malayalam literature as well as other forms of literature. The culture of reading and writing is strongly developed in the local population, many literary events, book fairs, and cultural activities take place annually.
Contemporary Literary Scene
In recent years, Kozhikode has been a home of literary talents and enthusiasm of reading and writing among the residents. Some of the popular literature festivals include the Kerala Literature Festival where writers, poets and literature enthusiasts get together. Such events are based on the concept of discussions, readings and workshops that help in the development of a proper literary exchange as well as experimentation.
The literary clubs within the city and the libraries and bookshops also support literature in their own way. The local government gives due attention to the public libraries in Kozhikode and books from different themes and genres are available in these libraries. The book shops in Kozhikode also provide opportunities to launch books and meet and greet with the authors. Moreover, there are numerous literary clubs and societies that keep the community involved in the literature related activities and thus, adds the flavor of literature to this city.
Benefits of the UNESCO Listing
The advantages of being a UNESCO City of Literature include the following for Kozhikode.
● It elevates the status of the city to be known by tourist and people who have interest in literature from all over the world.
● This recognition also provides possibilities for cooperation with other cities that has also been recognized, which would allow Kozhikode to introduce the cities to its literary activities and, at the same time, study other cities’ cases.
● It is believed that the given title will contribute to the growth of the regional economy as a result of investments in cultural and creative fields. It will also further create relevant elements of the City’s literary framework in form of libraries, cultural buildings and educational facilities. As the emphasis in this case is going to be made more on literature, the development will positively impact the youth in the area, making them turn their attention more to literature as well as other forms of art.
Future Prospects
This new recognition, UNESCO City of Literature, is a sign of onset of the new Kozhikode’s Literature adventure. Thus, literary oriented organisation, the local government, and inhabitants intend to use this recognition for the improvement of the given city’s literary activity. The government is planning to arrange more literary events, provide more literature facilities and literary cooperate with different countries.
In conclusion, one can state that Kozhikode being called India’s first UNESCO City of Literature is a clear indication of the city’s historical and present literary environment. This recognition also does not only acknowledge the city’s past illuminated milestones but it will also light up the future for literature and provide Kozhikode the power to continue being the epitome of literature in India and the world.
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