Very few cities in Kerala can perhaps boast the 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 Kerala Literature Festival.
So it was quite natural that Kozhikode was proposed by the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) to be branded as a ‘City of Literature’ with the help of UNESCO. It is among the six places that the KILA plans to develop as ‘Creative Cities’. Thiruvananthapuram is vying for the title ‘City of Peace’, Kollam ‘City of Biodiversity’, Kochi ‘City of Design’, Thrissur ‘City of Learning’, and Kannur ‘City of Craft and Folk Arts’.
Joy Elamon, Director General, KILA, told The Hindu that the branding would help Kozhikode get a global reach. Innovative literary events could be organised here showcasing writers from foreign countries. “The credentials for this are being readied now so that the proposal can be submitted in 2023,” he said.
