Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the importance of students learning an extra Indian language alongside their mother tongue to embrace the nation’s diverse linguistic heritage. Shah highlighted that language plays a crucial role in understanding a country’s culture. He made these remarks during the inauguration of the Museum of Word at the National Library campus in Kolkata. The museum, featuring the ‘Timeline of Languages,’ is a significant addition to Kolkata’s cultural landscape.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, also present at the event, praised the Union Government’s efforts to promote the Bengali language globally. The Museum of Word, a project under the Union Ministry of Culture, has an initial phase costing approximately Rs 14 crore, with a total estimated project cost of around Rs 41 crore. It comprises nine galleries, each offering a unique perspective on the history and evolution of Indian languages.
The galleries within the museum exhibit a range of artifacts, including ancient manuscripts, inscriptions, and documents showcasing the development of various scripts. Utilizing modern digital technology, interactive displays illustrate the evolution of languages over time. This initiative aims not only to preserve languages but also to serve as a testament to India’s multilingual cultural heritage, promoting the equal status and dissemination of all languages across the country.
