By its inclusion in the list of Smart Cities, civic authorities believe that Kozhikode will have a chance to revive its lost fame and lustre.
“The objective of Smart City Mission can be met if Kozhikode is selected, as this city will catalyse development in the entire Malabar region,” Mrunmai Joshi, Corporation Secretary, said, presenting the case of the city before officials of the Ministry of Urban Development .
“It will enable the administration to provide adequate recognition and encouragement to the traditional art and cultural forms and thereby enable them to be showcased in national and international forums,” she said. “Kozhikode has always been a nerve centre for cultural winds in north Kerala and has in fact made its mark in putting up a distinct face of Malabar culture before the world. To celebrate this exceptional culture, ‘Malabar Mahotsav’ is held every year where traditional art and drama forms are celebrated.”
“The festival receives tremendous response from not just natives but from people all over India as well as the world. As a tribute to history, in Kozhikode, Revathi Pattathanam, a literary fest continuing from Zamorins’ times, is still celebrated in the ancient Tali temple as is the annual event for traders celebrated as Pepper Fest. In the field of sports, Kozhikode is known as the second Mecca of football,” she said.
Kozhikode Corporation is one of the oldest Corporations in the State. “Though not lost in oblivion, efforts are needed to revive the ancient splendour, and catapult Kozhikode to new heights once again as a bustling hub of trade, commerce where all people, irrespective of their caste and creed, can live life with dignity, which can be enabled if Kozhikode is included in the Smart City list,” Ms. Joshi said.
