Context

Kozhikode has been proposed by the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) to be branded as a ‘City of Literature’ under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).

Why has Kozhikode been proposed as the City of Literature?

• Kozhikode has a legacy of writers such as Vaikom Mohammed Basheer, Sanjayan, S.K. Pottekkatt, M.T. Vasudevan Nair, N.N. Kakkad, and U.A. Khader.
• Adding to this is the presence of literary publications such as the Mathrubhumi weekly, a vast network of libraries and annual literary events such as the Kerala Literature Festival.

About

About UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)

• UCCN was created in 2004.
• It aims to “promote cooperation among cities which recognize creativity as a strategic factor in their urban development”.
• Sustainable Development Goal 11 aims for Sustainable Cities and Communities.
• The network covers seven creative fields:

1. 1. Crafts and folk arts
   2. Media arts
   3. Film
   4. Design
   5. Gastronomy
   6. Literature
   7. Music