Kozhikode was Designated as a UNESCO 'City of Literature' by a group of NIT Students.

Kozhikode, a UNESCO City of Literature, features 550 libraries, 70 publishing businesses, and over 100 bookstores, as revealed by NIT student research.

on Nov 06, 2023

Kozhikode was Designated as a UNESCO 'City of Literature' by a group of NIT Students | Frontlist

There are at least 550 libraries in Kozhikode, as well as 70 publishing businesses and more than 100 bookstores. These are some of the findings of a comprehensive record of Kozhikode's literary resources and assets completed by a group of National Institute of Technology (NIT) students from Calicut. This comprehensive undertaking helped Kozhikode acquire the title of UNESCO City of Literature.

Kozhikode recently joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Gwalior, with its renowned musical legacy, was the other Indian city to join the list.

Members of NIT Calicut's Department of Architecture and Planning began their research in July 2022 and finished it in January 2023.

In June, they submitted their substantial study to UNESCO.

According to the research, Kozhikode's literary history predates luminaries such as SK Pottekkatt, Vaikoom Muhammed Basheer, MT Vasudevan Nair, and Uroob. It actually dates back to the 14th century.

"The study revealed that Kozhikode city and its peri-urban areas boast a total of 550 libraries, excluding personal collections, which is perhaps the highest in an Indian city," Dr Mohammed Firoz, head of the Department of Architecture and Planning and a faculty coordinator for the study, told Onmanorama.

"We could find a large number of literary enthusiasts from different social strata who helped us grab the title," Dr. Firoz stated. Promiti Mallick, Athira Ashokan, Bharat Reddy, and Nimil Hussain and Lavanya PK were members of a student team.

Dr. Shyni Anil Kumar and research scholar Dr. Susan Cyriac also contributed to the project, which was finished with the assistance of Dr. Ajith Kaliyath from KILA, Thrissur and Dr. Beena Philip, Mayor of Kozhikode Corporation.

The report also advocated improving the city's literary culture by establishing a literature museum, a reading street, a children's literature festival, and reviving 'Kolaya Culture' (the usage of verandahs for conversations).

"The Department of Architecture at NIT Calicut is the second best in India, and our team is committed to serving society and helping the community," said Prof. Prasad Krishna, Director of NIT Calicut. "We are happy that our efforts to highlight the literary tradition of the city have yielded positive results."

NIT Calicut feels the UNESCO designation will boost Kozhikode's literary culture and boost the city's tourism possibilities. Furthermore, the tag is likely to benefit the city's social fabric, according to NITC.

According to Dr. Firoz, the municipal Corporation has set aside Rs. 1 crore for projects linked to the study's proposals. "Now the team is on cloud nine as their academic work has drawn the prestigious title 'UNESCO City of Literature' to Kozhikode City," stated the official.