CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Minister of State for Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trust and Endowment (Independent Charge) Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi stated that Bhopal, known for its rich culture, historical heritage, and natural beauty, will be recognized as a “City of Literature” by UNESCO. This initiative aims to grant Bhopal global recognition in the field of literary creation, preservation, and promotion.
Minister Lodhi made this announcement while addressing a stakeholder symposium at Mulla Ramuzi Sanskriti Bhavan, discussing the proposal to nominate Bhopal in the field of literature for UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network. He said this recognition would provide a global platform for Bhopal’s literary heritage and authors, accelerating the city’s educational, social, and cultural development.
The Mayor of Bhopal, Malti Rai, signed the application and declaration for Bhopal’s nomination in the field of literature. She affirmed that every effort will be made to ensure UNESCO declares Bhopal a “City of Literature,” enhancing the city’s pride. She added that this achievement would elevate Bhopal as a global literary and cultural hub.
Principal Secretary for Culture, Tourism, and Managing Director of the Tourism Board, Shiv Shekhar Shukla, highlighted the ongoing efforts to nominate Bhopal to UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network in the literature category. He noted that this would bring Bhopal’s literary heritage to the global stage. Currently, UNESCO has included 53 cities from 39 countries in its Creative Cities Network under the literature category. Last year, Kozhikode in Kerala was included in this category, and efforts are being made to make Bhopal the second Indian city to receive this recognition.
Shukla referenced the success of Gwalior being declared a “City of Music” by UNESCO, which has inspired youth in the region to embrace music. Similarly, Bhopal’s recognition as a “City of Literature” is expected to encourage young people to engage in literary creation and reading.
The dossier for Bhopal’s inclusion in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network has been prepared by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board and submitted to the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Once approved, the dossier will be forwarded to UNESCO for evaluation.
During the symposium, stakeholders were informed about UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, which recognizes cities in seven categories: Crafts and Folk Arts, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Music, and Media Arts. Bhopal’s golden legacy of literary creation, which began under Maharaja Bhoj in 1010 AD, makes it unique in the field of literature. Renowned literary works have been created in Hindi, Urdu, Sindhi, Punjabi, and other languages in Bhopal.
Bhopal hosts over 150 cultural and literary events annually, organized by the Department of Culture and Bharat Bhavan, with more than 20 additional events. The city boasts over 70 libraries and reading centers. Various literary programs are also held with the collaboration of communities and institutions.
The symposium included presentations on the literary programs, activities, and exhibitions held in Bhopal, along with a discussion on future initiatives to promote and preserve literature over the next four years.
Present at the event were Director of Culture N.P. Namdev, Additional Managing Director of the Tourism Board Bidisha Mukherjee, directors and representatives from the Madhya Pradesh Culture Council, Ustad Alauddin Khan Music and Arts Academy, Tribal Folk Art and Language Development Academy, Literature Academy, Kalidas Sanskrit Academy, Sindhi Literature Academy, Marathi Literature Academy, Bhojpuri Literature Academy, Punjabi Literature Academy, along with authors and literature enthusiasts.
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