Union Minister Shri Amit Shah inaugurates the first phase of the 'Museum of Word' in Kolkata

The inauguration of the Museum of Word in Kolkata is being framed as a landmark cultural initiative. Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that it embodies Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a “cultural renaissance of the nation”.

Language as Culture’s Foundation:
Shah highlighted that words emerge from emotions, language shapes culture, and culture finds its expression through language.

Panini to AI:
The museum traces the journey of the written word—from sacred Omkar, Vedic texts, manuscripts, and inscriptions to the printing press and digital era. Shah urged that Indian languages be made AI-enabled to remain vital for centuries.

Immersive Experience:
Galleries use visual, auditory, and sensory design to explain the evolution of language, lullabies, myths, and grammar. Artefacts include copper plates, Bhojpatra manuscripts, inscriptions, and printed books.

Honoring Bengal’s Legacy:
He linked the museum to Bengal’s intellectual heritage—Maharshi Aurobindo, Vivekananda, Ramakrishna, Chaitanya, and Netaji Bose—calling Bengal a “beacon of India’s civilizational consciousness.”

Five Principles for Language Preservation:
1. Family as the child’s first school of language.
2. Education beginning in the mother tongue.
3. Universities fostering original thought.
4. Digital and AI-enablement of Indian languages.
5. Youth learning at least one other Indian language.

Symbolic Timing
The inauguration coincides with the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, which Shah described as a moment of deep devotion to Bharat Mata. He also noted that Bengali was granted Classical Language status in 2024, reinforcing the state’s cultural prominence.

In his words: “From the soil of Bengal, regarded as a beacon of Indian culture, the nation should resolve to strengthen its culture through the power of words.”