India's first "Museum of Words" opened in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, on July 19. Union Home Minister Amit Shah was present at the inauguration ceremony and shared glimpses and updates from the event on the social media platform X, sparking a wave of discussion around the launch across the country.
What is the Museum of Words
The new museum has been jointly built by the National Library and the National Council of Science Museums. It is designed to bring the entire story of how language, literature and human knowledge have evolved under one roof, helping ordinary visitors understand how words, scripts and modes of communication around the world have changed and developed over centuries. According to news reports, it is being described as the country's first museum entirely dedicated to the journey of words, languages and writing, rather than being limited to any single language, state or community. Until now, the National Council of Science Museums had mainly been known for exhibitions centred on science and technology.
What Amit Shah posted
Posting from his X handle, Amit Shah said he was live at the inauguration ceremony of the "Museum of Words," built by the National Library and the National Council of Science Museums in Kolkata. Along with the post, he shared a video link from the event, in which he is seen addressing the gathering from the stage at the launch ceremony. The post makes clear that the central government is treating the occasion seriously, framing it as part of Kolkata's cultural and educational legacy. The Home Minister's personal presence at the venue, along with his live updates, signals that the government wants to promote the museum as a major cultural initiative.
Why this initiative matters
Observers say a museum of this kind could give students, researchers and general readers a new way to understand the history of language and scripts. The National Council of Science Museums has so far been known mostly for exhibitions built around science and technology, so this attempt to present the history of language and communication with the same structured, scientific approach is being seen as a new direction. Its location in Kolkata carries extra weight because the city has long been at the forefront of India's literary, journalistic and educational movements, and institutions such as the National Library already stand as symbols of the city's intellectual heritage.
About Kolkata
Kolkata is the capital of the state of West Bengal and is counted among India's major metropolitan cities. It sits on the eastern bank of the Hooghly river, roughly 180 kilometres from the coast of the Bay of Bengal. Kolkata is regarded as India's second largest metropolis and its fifth largest port. The city has a long history, and its modern character took shape during the era of British and French colonialism. Known as the "City of Joy," Kolkata has for long served as one of India's key centres for shifts in education and culture, which is why major institutions like the National Library, and now this new museum, have been established there.
Public reaction
Amit Shah's post drew a mixed response on social media. Some users praised the idea behind the Museum of Words, calling it a unique and commendable effort to preserve the heritage of language and literature. Several others, however, used the reply section to raise questions and complaints on unrelated issues that had no direct link to the museum's inauguration. Overall, the reactions reflected a mix of support alongside criticism and dissatisfaction.
