Marking World Cities Day on Tuesday, UNESCO made a significant announcement by welcoming two Indian cities, Gwalior and Kozhikode, into its Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Kozhikode, located in the state of Kerala, and Gwalior, situated in Madhya Pradesh, were added to the UCCN list alongside 55 other cities. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy expressed his immense pride for India in light of this remarkable achievement. He emphasized that these cities have demonstrated a robust dedication to fostering culture and creativity.
Kozhikode's Literary Triumph
Kozhikode, a city known for its vibrant literary culture, has attained a remarkable milestone by earning the distinguished title of 'City of Literature'. The journey towards this prestigious recognition commenced in 2022 with a proposal initiated by the Kerala Institute of Local Administration. Upon receiving enthusiastic support, the Kozhikode Corporation formed a collaborative partnership with Charles University in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Notably, Prague was the first city to be honored with the title of 'City of Literature' by UNESCO in 2014.
Gwalior's Musical Legacy
Gwalior, the city that gave the world the legendary musician Tansen, has been bestowed with the prestigious title of “City of Music” by UNESCO. This honor is a befitting tribute to the city's rich musical heritage. Gwalior Gharana, one of the oldest Hindustani musical Gharanas, is believed to have originated in this very place, solidifying its status as the birthplace of this iconic musical style. The Scindias, erstwhile royal family of Gwalior, have diligently preserved and propagated music for centuries, adding to the city's musical legacy. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia played a pivotal role in advocating for Gwalior's inclusion in UNESCO's list, further underscoring the city's significant contribution to the world of music.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his delight over this achievement on his official Twitter handle, X (formerly Twitter).
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With the addition of Gwalior and Kozhikode, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network now comprises 350 creative cities across more than 100 countries, spanning seven diverse 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, scheduled for July 1 to 5, 2024, focusing on the theme 'Bringing Youth to the Table for the Next Decade.'
