India's First Immersive Language Museum 'Shabdalok' Opens in Kolkata

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated the Museum of Word, also known as Shabdalok, at the National Library campus in Kolkata. Developed by the National Library under the Union Culture Ministry, it is India's first immersive language museum.

The museum celebrates the country's rich linguistic heritage and showcases the evolution of its oral and written traditions through interactive and technology-driven exhibits. It features nine galleries exploring different facets of language history and their influence on Indian civilisation and culture.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Shah said that a country's language carries its heritage and offers a window into its culture. He emphasised that besides learning one's mother tongue, every student should also learn at least another Indian language to better appreciate the country's cultural diversity.

The Home Minister also stressed the importance of libraries in nation-building, stating that the country's future depends not only on the number of students in colleges and universities but also on how many people make use of libraries.

The first phase of the museum chronicles the diversity of Indian languages, scripts and literature. Rather than a conventional repository, it has been designed as an immersive cultural experience that uses digital displays, holograms and motion-sensor technology to engage visitors.

Shabdalok celebrates India's 22 official languages and traces their journey from oral traditions and ancient manuscripts to printed works and modern electronic texts, highlighting the country's enduring linguistic diversity.