#IndianCreativityUnleashed

[sbippinjit-blog]

"Celebrating India's Creative Cities: Kozhikode and Gwalior Join UNESCO's Creative Cities Network"

India has every reason to swell with pride as UNESCO adds Kozhikode and Gwalior to its prestigious Creative City list.

SAS NAGAR 4th November 2023

In a recent announcement by UNESCO on World Cities Day, 55 new cities have become part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), highlighting their dedication to utilizing culture and creativity as a driving force for urban development. With a focus on fostering innovative practices in human-centered urban planning, these cities are stepping up to face the challenges of the future. Among these cities, two from India stand out for their unique contributions: Kozhikode and Gwalior.

Kozhikode, a city renowned for its literary heritage, has been designated a Creative City for Literature. It is remarkable that Kerala, where Kozhikode is located, boasts an impressive 8,405 reading rooms managed by various local bodies. This number is second only to Maharashtra, which has 12,191 reading rooms. Kozhikode's literary tradition is enriched by numerous publishing houses, libraries, and the birthplace of the first Malayalam novel, "Kundalatha," in 1887. The city has also produced a multitude of renowned writers, as well as professionals in the film and theatre industry.

On the other hand, Gwalior, the birthplace of the legendary musician Tansen, has been granted the esteemed title of "City of Music" by UNESCO. This recognition is a fitting tribute to the city's profound musical heritage. The Gwalior Gharana, one of the oldest Hindustani musical Gharanas, is believed to have its origins in this city, firmly establishing it as the birthplace of this iconic musical style. The Scindias, the erstwhile royal family of Gwalior, have been dedicated to preserving and promoting music for centuries, further enhancing the city's musical legacy. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia played a pivotal role in advocating for Gwalior's inclusion in UNESCO's list, emphasizing the city's significant contribution to the world of music.

These recognitions by UNESCO reflect the rich cultural diversity and creative spirit that Indian cities like Kozhikode and Gwalior bring to the global stage.

As they join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, we can anticipate exciting collaborations and initiatives that will further enhance their cultural landscapes and contribute to the world's creative tapestry.

Congratulations to the people of Gwalior and Kozhikode.

Cheers!

Bippinjit | ‘Small B Wild Thoughts’