India, July 20 -- The inauguration of the Museum of Word in Kolkata is being framed as a landmark cultural initiative. Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that it embodies Prime Minister Modi's vision for a "cultural renaissance of the nation".
Language as Culture's Foundation:
Shah highlighted that words emerge from emotions, language shapes culture, and culture finds its expression through language.
Panini to AI:
The museum traces the journey of the written word-from sacred Omkar, Vedic texts, manuscripts, and inscriptions to the printing press and digital era. Shah urged that Indian languages be made AI-enabled to remain vital for centuries.
Immersive Experience:
Galleries use visual, auditory, and sensory design to explain the evolution of language, lullabies, myths, and grammar. Artefacts include copper plates, Bhojpatra manuscripts, inscriptions, and printed books.
Honoring Bengal's Legacy:
He linked the museum to Bengal's intellectual heritage-Maharshi Aurobindo, Vivekananda, Ramakrishna, Chaitanya, and Netaji Bose-calling Bengal a "beacon of India's civilizational consciousness."
Five Principles for Language Preservation:
1. Family as the child's first school of language.
2. Education beginning in the mother tongue.
3. Universities fostering original thought.
4. Digital and AI-enablement of Indian languages.
5. Youth learning at least one other Indian language.
Symbolic Timing
The inauguration coincides with....
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Travel Media.