UNESCO has declared Kozhikode a Literature City in India. It is a unique global designation. Kerala’s Minister for Cultural Affairs M B Rajesh made this official declaration on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at Kozhikode. This declaration opens unending possibilities, stated the minister. This achievement belongs to the centuries old history of the city. We have to maintain and preserve this status as it could be used to enhance our economy and also to expand the tourism sector. Though the Governor or Chief Minister was expected to proclaim this declaration, they could not make it to Kozhikode and hence the minister Rajesh could get the honor to declare the achievement. Literary giant M T Vasudevan Nair, though he was in the city, too could not make to the venue because of ill-health. Minister P A Mohamed Rias released the logo and inaugurated the website. Literary figure Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri declared Muthalakulam Cultural Centre as the Literature City. June 23 every year will be celebrated as Literature City Day and six awards will be presented to chosen literary figures on that day, Mayor of Kozhikode Municipal Corporation Dr Beena Philip announced. The award consists of a purse of Rs One Lakh, citation and trophy. Thottathil Ravindran MLA was the Chief Guest. Poet P K Gopi, KILA Urban Chairman Dr Ajith Kaliyath, Head of NIT Architecture Planning Dr C Mohamed Phiroz, Deputy Mayor Aha med, Secretary K U Bini et al spoke on the occasion.

The Diamond Jubilee Award of the Corporation was presented to M T Vasudevan Nair by Minister Rajesh jointly with Mayor Dr Beena Philip by calling on him at his residence ‘Sitara’ along Kottaram Road. This award is given in view of the honor the City has received from UNESCO.