Explanation – 3 criteria are required for a city to be designated as a UNESCO City of Literature. These are: Quality and quantity of publishing in the city, hosting literary events and festivals, Active involvement of media in promoting literature. Other criteria are: Literature, drama, and/or poetry playing an important role in the city, Involvement by the publishing sector in translating literary works from diverse national languages and foreign literature, hosting literary events and festivals, which promote domestic and foreign literature, etc. Recently, Kozhikode, a city in Kerala, India, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming India’s first UNESCO City of Literature. Kozhikode is the first Indian city to receive this honor. UNESCO’s City of Literature programme is part of the wider Creative Cities Network.

Source: The Hindu