India's First Museum of Word Opens in Kolkata

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the first phase of India's Museum of Word in Kolkata, describing it as a pioneering initiative to preserve the nation's multilingual consciousness and linguistic heritage. The museum traces the evolution of Indian languages from the sacred Omkar and Panini's grammar through manuscripts, inscriptions, and into the digital age.

Shah emphasized the intrinsic relationship between words, language, and culture, calling language *the soul of civilization*. He stressed the need to integrate digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence to keep Indian languages relevant in the modern era. The museum features scientifically curated galleries with artifacts, handwritten manuscripts, copper plates, folk traditions, and audio-visual exhibits.

The Home Minister outlined five principles for preserving linguistic heritage: making families the first school of language, ensuring mother tongue-based education, transforming universities into centers of original thought, digitally enabling all Indian languages, and expanding library and museum outreach. He encouraged every Indian to learn at least one additional Indian language alongside their mother tongue to strengthen national unity and preserve the country's rich linguistic diversity.