Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated ‘Shabdalok’, the country’s first language-centric museum, at the National Library, highlighting the central role of language in shaping culture and civilisation.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Shah praised the richness of the Bengali language, literature and culture, stating that language is not merely a tool of communication but a fundamental pillar of human civilisation. “Humans did not create language; rather, language has shaped humanity,” he said, underlining the deep connection between language and cultural identity.
He stressed that cultural expression is impossible without language, adding that culture is born through language and reflects a nation’s identity. Emphasising preservation, Shah said the development and protection of languages are essential for safeguarding India’s heritage.
Touching upon India’s pluralistic ethos, Shah said the country’s cultural strength lies in unity in diversity and asserted that there is no place for narrow-mindedness in Indian traditions. He added that restricting different ideologies runs contrary to the core values of Indian culture.
The Home Minister also noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bengali had been accorded the status of a classical language. He described Bengal as a guiding force for the nation, remarking that the state has historically remained ahead in intellectual and cultural spheres.
During his speech, Shah referred to a letter he had written to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, expressing confidence that his vision regarding the promotion of the Bengali language would be carried forward. However, he did not elaborate on its contents.
Paying tribute to eminent figures, Shah recalled the contributions of Rabindranath Tagore, Sri Aurobindo and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, describing Bengal as a cornerstone of India’s cultural legacy. He said understanding India’s intellectual heritage is incomplete without engaging with the philosophy of Sri Aurobindo.
Adhikari, who was present at the event, also mentioned Shah’s letter and said he would make a detailed statement on the matter in the Legislative Assembly.
‘Shabdalok’ has been developed as a unique repository of India’s linguistic diversity. In its first phase, nine galleries have been opened to the public, including sections on primal sounds, mother tongues, navarasa (nine emotions), the evolution of language, contributions of literary figures, oral traditions, performing arts, universal dialogue and the history of public libraries.
The museum uses modern technology to present the vocabulary, phonetic evolution and historical development of India’s 22 recognised languages. Officials said it is expected to offer visitors a comprehensive understanding of the country’s linguistic and cultural heritage while preserving it for future generations.
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