The app has been designed as a real-time multilingual translation and learning platform, enabling communication between Hindi, English, and multiple tribal languages through text and speech-based tools.
Technology Meets Tribal Heritage
Adi Vaani has been developed with the objective of digitally preserving indigenous knowledge systems, folklore, and oral traditions that are at risk of fading over time. By combining language technology with cultural documentation, the Ministry aims to ensure that tribal languages are passed on to future generations.
The application supports text-to-text translation, text-to-speech conversion, speech-to-text transcription, and speech-to-speech translation. It also includes Optical Character Recognition (OCR) capabilities to digitise and translate tribal manuscripts and written records.
A dedicated repository within the app hosts bilingual dictionaries, primers, and curated learning material for students and early learners, making it both an educational and cultural tool.
Languages Covered and Expansion Plans
As of now, real-time text-to-text and speech-to-text translation features are operational for Santali, Mundari, Bhili, and Gondi languages. The Ministry has informed Parliament that Garo and Kui languages are nearing completion and will be integrated shortly.
In the second phase of development, additional tribal languages from across India are proposed to be included, significantly expanding the app’s linguistic coverage.
The platform also integrates subtitle support for official speeches and provides health and cultural awareness content in native languages, including information related to sickle cell disease and other community-specific health issues.
No Kerala-Specific Outreach So Far
Despite Kerala being home to several tribal communities with distinct linguistic identities, the Ministry clarified that no state-specific consultations, impact studies, or corrective measures have been undertaken in Kerala with regard to the Adi Vaani app.
The government further stated that while feedback and testimonials have been received from tribal communities in various parts of the country, the app’s reach, usability, and effectiveness among Scheduled Tribe communities in Kerala have not yet been assessed.
Officials attributed this to the app currently being in the beta testing phase, during which evaluation and refinement are ongoing.
Digital Literacy and Infrastructure Challenges
The Ministry acknowledged that digital access and literacy remain critical challenges in ensuring widespread adoption of the Adi Vaani platform. To address this, engagement with Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) and language experts is underway to support community training and capacity building.
However, the Lok Sabha was informed that no digital literacy training or infrastructural assistance related to the app is currently being carried out in Kerala.
While Adi Vaani is an online platform accessible from anywhere with internet connectivity, the Ministry is also exploring the feasibility of offering select features in offline mode to improve accessibility in remote tribal areas.
Assessing Reach and Future Roadmap
The government is presently assessing the app’s outreach, downloads, and user engagement across the country. Based on community feedback and testing outcomes, further refinements and expansions are expected.
The Ministry has reiterated its commitment to strengthening multilingual support and expanding the platform’s role in education, healthcare awareness, and cultural preservation.
As the app evolves beyond its beta phase, greater emphasis is likely to be placed on state-level engagement to ensure that tribal communities across India, including those in Kerala, are able to fully benefit from the initiative.
