Learn One More Indian Language to Understand India’s Rich Cultural Heritage: Amit Shah

Kolkata, July 2026 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday called upon students across the country to learn at least one additional Indian language apart from their mother tongue, saying that India’s linguistic diversity is one of its greatest civilisational strengths and an essential gateway to understanding the nation’s rich cultural heritage.

Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Museum of Word at the historic National Library campus in Kolkata, Shah said language is much more than a medium of communication—it is a reflection of a society’s traditions, history, philosophy and way of life. He stressed that learning multiple Indian languages would help strengthen national integration while deepening appreciation for the country’s cultural diversity.

“The linguistic diversity of India represents the rich heritage of our nation. One can truly understand a country’s culture only through its language. Therefore, every student should strive to learn at least one additional Indian language besides his or her mother tongue,” Shah said.

The Union Home Minister described the newly inaugurated Museum of Word as another milestone in Kolkata’s rich cultural and intellectual legacy. He said the museum had been conceived to celebrate India’s extraordinary linguistic traditions while preserving them for future generations.

One of the museum’s major attractions is the ‘Timeline of Languages’ Gallery, which traces the historical evolution of all 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Shah recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the creation of the museum in 2020 with the vision of preserving India’s linguistic heritage through modern technology and interactive displays.

“The museum has been developed in accordance with the Prime Minister’s vision and guidance. It reflects India’s commitment to preserving every language and every cultural tradition. There is no place for narrow-mindedness in our country, because such thinking can never define Indian civilisation. Our culture encourages openness, mutual respect and the free exchange of ideas,” Shah said.

He added that India’s unity has always flourished through its diversity, and the preservation of every regional language contributes to strengthening the nation’s cultural fabric.

Also present at the event was West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who said the Central Government has been making sustained efforts to enhance the global recognition and prestige of the Bengali language while promoting India’s multilingual identity.

The Museum of Word is being developed under the Union Ministry of Culture as a multi-phase project. The first phase has been completed at an estimated cost of around Rs 14 crore, while the total project cost is expected to reach approximately Rs 41 crore upon completion.

Spread across nine thematic galleries, the museum presents the story of India’s linguistic evolution from multiple perspectives. Visitors can explore rare manuscripts, ancient inscriptions, historical documents, and exhibits tracing the development of various Indian scripts over thousands of years.

The museum also incorporates advanced digital technology, interactive presentations and multimedia installations to provide visitors with an immersive understanding of how Indian languages have evolved through different historical periods.

According to government officials, the museum is envisioned not only as a centre for preserving India’s linguistic heritage but also as a permanent repository documenting the country’s remarkable multilingual traditions. It is expected to serve students, researchers, linguists and visitors from across India and abroad.

Officials believe the initiative will reinforce the message that every Indian language deserves equal respect and recognition, while encouraging greater appreciation of the nation’s diverse cultural identity through language.