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Thrissur

Kerala, India

Thrissur is called the ‘Cultural Capital of Kerala’. Thrissur city hosts a large number of academic, research, training institutions supporting the learning needs of a wide range of people. Thrissur is a city that celebrates diverse skills and cultural activities. One of the leading businesses in the city is jewellery. Estimates suggest that the city produces 30 percent of India’s gold jewellery. This has earned the city the unofficial title of ‘Gold Capital of India’.

Similarly, there is a large number of Chit Funds in the city. The city is the Head Quarters of four leading private sector banks in India. They are Catholic Syrian Bank, Dhanalakshmi Bank, South Indian Bank, ESAF Bank and Manappuram Finance Limited a leading Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC). Additionally, Ayurvedic drug manufacturers such as SNA Oushadhasala, Sitaram Ayurveda Oushadhi and Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala have their Head Quarters in the city. These diverse pathways showcase the entrepreneurial and economic diversification in the city.

There is a large number of higher education, professional education, and skilling institutions ensuring a constant supply of trained human resource. The wide range of art and cultural institutions such as the Thrissur School of Drama, Brahmaswam Madham, a residential institution for the study of Vedas confirms the significance of Thrissur as a leading centre of learning. As a city which has well established educational, skilling and cultural institutions, Thrissur is able to address the diverse needs of its citizens.

Formal and non-formal learning infrastructure

The Universities in Thrissur city region are Kerala University of Health Science, Kerala Agricultural University and Veterinary University. In addition to these, Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA), Kerala Police Academy, Kerala Excise Academy and Research Centre, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Thrissur School of Drama,  School of Fine Arts apart from some of the leading Colleges such as Sri Kerala Varma College, St. Thomas College, Vimala College, Government Engineering College and Government Law College also contribute to knowledge and skill development in the city.

Kerala Sahitya Academy, Kerala Lalithakala Akademi for conserving and promoting visual arts like painting, sculpture, architecture, and graphics, are autonomous cultural organizations of Government of Kerala with headquarters in Thrissur. Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi which nurtures and discharges duties in upliftment of vibrant forms of dance, music and drama and folk arts of Kerala is located here at Thrissur. There are 29 colleges, 112 schools and 237 anganwadis within the limit of Thrissur Municipal Corporation.

The development of Thissur as a Learning City

• Formulate a strategy for developing Learning City
• Create opportunities for youth-led socio-cultural activities.
• Establish a Network of Learning Centres in the city.
• Promote lifelong learning and inclusive learning through partnerships.
• Develop opportunities for updward social mobility through skilling and micro enterprises.
• Institutionalise practices for learning and employment opportunities for the weaker sections.

The Thrissur Municipal Corporation has established a Multi-stakeholder Steering Committee under the joint leadership of the Mayor of Thrissur and Director General, of Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA). This Committee has the membership of senior elected representatives, leaders of academic, cultural, industry and banking institutions in the city.

Some key activities in the Learning City field

Under the Nava Kerala Mission (New Kerala), the Government of Kerala has focused on the Comprehensive Educational Rejuvenation Programme which is also implemented by various groups, especially marginalised and the Municipal Corporation of Thrissur. These are further strengthened by funding and knowledge support provided by the Government of India under AMRUT and Prime Minister's Housing for All Schemes for improved housing and social conditions of city dwellers. Annual projects for continuous learning, providing laptops, essential furniture and learning rooms for underprivileged.

Key Priority Areas for Future Development

The Thrissur Municipal Corporation along with its partners such as Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) and School of Architecture and Planning, Government Engineering College, Thrissur will develop a comprehensive strategy for equitable and inclusive learning ecosystem. The three key areas for future development are 1) equitable access to learning for all, 2) a robust digital learning ecosystem and 3) skills for sustainable development (green skills and green jobs).