India’s Linguistic Heritage Gets a Digital Home: Amit Shah Opens ‘Shabdalok’ Museum

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated the Museum of Word , India’s first immersive language museum , at the National Library campus in Kolkata . The museum, named ‘Shabdalok’ , has been developed by the National Library under the Union Ministry of Culture to preserve and present India’s rich linguistic traditions through modern technology.

The museum is designed as an interactive cultural experience rather than a conventional collection space. It uses advanced technologies such as digital displays, holograms, and motion-sensor systems to take visitors through the evolution of India’s languages, scripts and literature.

The first phase of Shabdalok features nine thematic galleries that explore the origin, growth and influence of languages on Indian civilisation. The exhibits trace the journey of languages from ancient oral traditions and manuscripts to printed literature and today’s digital communication platforms.

The museum highlights India’s linguistic diversity by showcasing the history and development of the country’s 22 officially recognised languages . It presents language as a constantly evolving force that has shaped social, cultural and intellectual life across generations.

Officials said the initiative aims to make the study of languages more engaging for visitors by combining heritage with immersive technology. Through interactive installations, the museum seeks to create awareness about India’s diverse scripts, literary traditions and the role of languages in preserving cultural identity.

The budget allocated for the Museum of Word has not been officially disclosed by the government. The project has been developed as part of the Union Culture Ministry’s efforts to promote cultural preservation and create modern public spaces that connect people with India’s heritage.

The inauguration of Shabdalok adds a new cultural landmark to Kolkata and is expected to attract students, researchers, language enthusiasts and tourists interested in India’s multilingual legacy.