Amit Shah calls on students to learn an additional Indian language

Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata Kolkata, July 19: Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday encouraged students to learn at least one Indian language in addition to their mother tongue, saying linguistic diversity is central to understanding the country's rich cultural heritage. Addressing the inauguration of the Museum of Word at the National Library in Kolkata, Shah said languages are the foundation of a nation's identity and culture, and learning multiple Indian languages would help strengthen national integration while fostering respect for the country's diversity. He described India's linguistic heritage as one of its greatest strengths and said every student should make an effort to learn another Indian language to gain a deeper appreciation of different cultures and traditions. Calling the Museum of Word a landmark addition to Kolkata, Shah said its highlight is the 'Timeline of Languages' gallery, which traces the evolution of 22 officially recognised Indian languages. He noted that the project was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020 and developed under his vision to preserve and celebrate India's linguistic legacy. Shah also stressed that India's culture is rooted in inclusiveness, adding that narrow-mindedness has no place in the country's civilisational values. He said every language deserves equal respect and should be allowed to flourish without prejudice. Speaking at the event, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the Union government has been making dedicated efforts to enhance the global recognition and status of the Bengali language, while promoting India's broader linguistic heritage. Developed under the Union Ministry of Culture, the first phase of the Museum of Word has been completed at a cost of around ?14 crore, while the entire project is expected to cost approximately ?41 crore. The museum houses nine thematic galleries, each exploring different aspects of India's linguistic evolution. Its exhibits include ancient manuscripts, inscriptions, historical documents, preserved words, and displays illustrating the development of scripts through interactive digital technology. Officials said the museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore thousands of years of India's language history under one roof. Beyond preserving languages, the institution is expected to serve as a lasting archive of the country's multilingual heritage while promoting equal recognition and appreciation of all Indian languages, including Bengali.