My hometown is Calicut, also known as Kozhikode, which is one of the most prominent cities in Kerala. It is a historically important city because the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed here in 1498, which marked a significant moment in the history of trade between India and Europe.
Kozhikode is the third-largest city in Kerala, and it has excellent infrastructure and connectivity. We have almost every major means of transportation, including roadways, railways, airways and seaways. The city has developed considerably over the years, with modern skyscrapers, educational institutions, shopping centres and hypermarkets.
What makes Kozhikode particularly special is its people. They are extremely friendly and hospitable, and people from different communities and backgrounds live together quite harmoniously.
The city is also known for its rich literary culture and is often referred to as the literature capital of India. The Kerala Literature Festival, or KLF, is held here every year, attracting writers, intellectuals and literature lovers from around the world.
Kozhikode is also considered the food capital of Kerala, especially because of its delicious Malabar cuisine and famous biryani. There are several renowned restaurants here, and Kozhikode Paragon has received international recognition from TasteAtlas.
Another thing I really like about my hometown is its promising future. The city is attracting major investments and development projects. For example, the World Trade Center is planning a major project in Kozhikode, which could further boost business, employment and infrastructure in the region.
So, I strongly believe that Kozhikode has enormous potential and could emerge as one of the leading cities in Kerala in the near future. Overall, I would describe Kozhikode as a wonderful combination of history, culture, modern development, excellent connectivity and warm-hearted people, and I feel genuinely proud to call it my hometown.