As Kozhikode marks three years of ‘City of Literature’ recognition, writers are trying to focus more on the local level

Every four years, Unesco reviews the status of the City of Literature to ensure that literary standards are maintained. | Photo credit: K. Ragesh

This year, October 31 will mark the third anniversary of Kozhikode receiving the UNESCO ‘City of Literature’ designation, the first in the country. Although the City Corporation continues to engage in collaborative events and programs with other such cities around the world, some writers and cultural activists have sought more targeted initiatives at the local level.

Writer P. Suresh says that discussions, readings and book releases have been held regularly in various parts of the city over the past few years. However, some of them do not get the visibility they deserve. “There is no effort to coordinate them. There are also very few accessible and affordable public spaces suitable for literature-related programs. Cultural activists and writers are forced to rent private halls and auditoriums, paying a high amount,” he adds.

Permanent setup for booksellers

Although the corporation has its own building for cultural events in Anakkulam, where it has its office as well as the ‘City of Literature’, cultural activists say it is not easily accessible and there are problems with parking of vehicles. Mr. Suresh is also seeking a permanent establishment for booksellers, especially small publishing houses, to display and sell their publications. Society should take the initiative in this regard, he says.

KJ Thomas, Secretary, Socio-Cultural Organization Beacon Calicut, suggests setting up more reading corners in different parts of the city. “Places like Kozhikode beach should be used for this purpose. Weekly or monthly readings can be held there,” he says. Mr. Thomas is also looking for steps to encourage writers among school and college students and steps to help them publish their books. “There should be more local involvement. The society should bring together writers, cultural activists and various organizations to make the ‘City of Literature’ concept more popular,” he adds.

Joint actions

AK Saritha, nodal officer of the ‘City of Literature’ programme, says Kozhikode has organized joint events with 62 other ‘Cities of Literature’ across the world in the last three years. Mystery fiction writer Manjiri Prabhu recently stayed at ‘Greenway House’, author Agatha Christie’s historic holiday home in Devon, UK. It was hosted by Exeter ‘City of Literature’. Other writers who have been part of similar residency programs include Indu Menon, Arya Gopi and M. Nandakumar, he says.

In the Talking Cities Project, a cultural exchange initiative led by Nottingham ‘City of Literature’, GK Sreelakshmi, K. Anagha and NP Fameena represented Kozhikode. Daivamane, a poem written by Wayanad-based writer Bindu Irulam in the Jenu Kuruba language, was selected at the International Mother Language Day exhibition held in Manchester City. The society also introduced “City of Literature” literary awards and revived “kolaya” discussions (literary debates held on house verandahs). Local events include a reading called ‘Page against Machine’ organized in partnership with Norwich ‘City of Literature’, he says. Ms. Saritha expresses confidence that when Unesco reviews the label after a four-year period in 2027, Kozhikode will definitely be part of the network again.

Meanwhile, admitting that more local events should have been held in the last three years, a corporation official says the civic body plans to open parks in the city for literary and musical events. Reading corners are also being prepared, he adds.

Published – 29 Oct 2026 07:00 IST