New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi heralded the inclusion of Gwalior and Kozhikode into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a testament to India's unwavering commitment to nurturing and promoting its unique cultural narratives. In a statement, he emphasized the nation's growing prominence on the global stage due to Kozhikode's literary heritage and Gwalior's musical legacy joining this esteemed network.

"India's cultural vibrancy now shines even brighter on the world stage with the addition of Kozhikode's rich literary legacy and Gwalior's melodious heritage to the distinguished UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Heartfelt congratulations to the people of Kozhikode and Gwalior on this remarkable achievement! As we celebrate this international recognition, our nation reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding and showcasing our diverse cultural traditions. These accolades are a testament to the collective efforts of all individuals devoted to nurturing and sharing our distinctive cultural stories," expressed the Prime Minister in a post on a social media platform.

Earlier, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, G Kishan Reddy, expressed his pride in welcoming two more Indian cities to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Gwalior and Kozhikode have been recognized as the 'City of Music' and the 'City of Literature,' respectively, among the 55 new cities that recently joined the network.

Taking to social media, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy remarked, "This is a moment of great pride for India. Kozhikode in Kerala has been designated as a UNESCO 'City of Literature,' and Gwalior as the 'City of Music' in the latest @UNESCO List of Creative Cities Network. These cities have received acknowledgment and recognition for their unwavering commitment to cultivating culture and creativity. Congratulations to all stakeholders!"

The announcement comes on World Cities Day, as UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay designated 55 cities to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. These cities were acknowledged for their strong dedication to fostering culture and creativity as integral components of their development strategies, along with their innovative practices in human-centered urban planning.

With this latest addition, the network now encompasses 350 cities in over one hundred countries, spanning seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music.

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