NEW DELHI: In an acknowledgment of their strong commitment to harnessing culture and creativity as part of their development strategies, Unesco on Tuesday included two Indian cities — Gwalior and Kozhikode — to its Creative Cities Network. Gwalior has made the cut in the ‘Music’ category, while Kerala’s Kozhikode has earned its place on the list in the ‘Literature’ category.
“The cities in Creative Cities Network are leading the way when it comes to enhancing access to culture and galvanising the power of creativity for urban resilience and development,” Audrey Azoulay, Unesco director-general, was quoted as saying in a statement.
The announcement was welcomed by PM Narendra Modi and Union culture minister G Kishen Reddy as a proud moment for India. Celebrations broke out in Kozhikode, where city mayor Beena Philip said the recognition was a result of the relentless effort by the city’s people, writers, journalists, and local libraries. She said Kozhikode carried the distinction of of being home to over 500 public libraries.
Gwalior, home to the Gwalior Gharana and synonymous with musicians like Baiju Bawra and Tansen was acknowledged for being a popular destination for learning Indian classical music from musicians in the Guru-Shishya Parampara.
Unesco released 55 new entries to its Unesco Creative Cities Network list on Tuesday. The UN culture body said the cities were being acknowledged for “their strong commitment to harnessing culture and creativity as part of their development strategies, and displaying innovative practices in human-centred urban planning.”
“India’s cultural vibrancy shines brighter on the global stage with Kozhikode’s rich literary legacy and Gwalior’s melodious heritage now joining the esteemed Unesco Creative Cities Network,” PM Modi said.
He added, “As we celebrate this international recognition, our nation reaffirms its commitment to preserving and promoting our diverse cultural traditions. These accolades also reflect the collective efforts of every individual dedicated to nurturing and sharing our unique cultural narratives.”
Following their inclusion, the newly designated Creative Cities have been invited to participate in the 2024 UCCN Annual Conference from July 1-5, 2024 in Braga, Portugal, under the theme “Bringing Youth to the Table for the Next Decade”.
“The cities in Creative Cities Network are leading the way when it comes to enhancing access to culture and galvanising the power of creativity for urban resilience and development,” Audrey Azoulay, Unesco director-general, was quoted as saying in a statement.
The announcement was welcomed by PM Narendra Modi and Union culture minister G Kishen Reddy as a proud moment for India. Celebrations broke out in Kozhikode, where city mayor Beena Philip said the recognition was a result of the relentless effort by the city’s people, writers, journalists, and local libraries. She said Kozhikode carried the distinction of of being home to over 500 public libraries.
Gwalior, home to the Gwalior Gharana and synonymous with musicians like Baiju Bawra and Tansen was acknowledged for being a popular destination for learning Indian classical music from musicians in the Guru-Shishya Parampara.
Unesco released 55 new entries to its Unesco Creative Cities Network list on Tuesday. The UN culture body said the cities were being acknowledged for “their strong commitment to harnessing culture and creativity as part of their development strategies, and displaying innovative practices in human-centred urban planning.”
“India’s cultural vibrancy shines brighter on the global stage with Kozhikode’s rich literary legacy and Gwalior’s melodious heritage now joining the esteemed Unesco Creative Cities Network,” PM Modi said.
He added, “As we celebrate this international recognition, our nation reaffirms its commitment to preserving and promoting our diverse cultural traditions. These accolades also reflect the collective efforts of every individual dedicated to nurturing and sharing our unique cultural narratives.”
Following their inclusion, the newly designated Creative Cities have been invited to participate in the 2024 UCCN Annual Conference from July 1-5, 2024 in Braga, Portugal, under the theme “Bringing Youth to the Table for the Next Decade”.