Bridging Gaps Through Language
Speaking at the launch, Shri Uikey stressed that language is the bedrock of cultural identity and community connection. He noted that Adi Vaani will bridge communication gaps for tribal groups in remote areas and aid the last-mile delivery of government schemes under the Adi Karmayogi framework. The platform will also empower tribal youth with digital tools, helping them participate in the nation’s growth.
Secretary of the Ministry, Shri Vibhu Nayar, called Adi Vaani a “frugal innovation,” developed at nearly one-tenth the cost of commercial platforms. He added that authentic linguistic data collected by TRIs has been integrated to ensure reliability. The system also includes a feedback loop, allowing communities to contribute to continuous improvements.
AI for Cultural Preservation
IIT Delhi Director Professor Rangan Banerjee said that Adi Vaani is proof of how artificial intelligence can preserve languages, traditions, and folklore. Joint Secretary Shri Anant Prakash Pandey emphasized that the erosion of a language often results in the loss of heritage. He highlighted that Adi Vaani is a collaborative effort involving central and state governments, TRIs, and top technical institutions, making it both affordable and impactful.
At launch, the platform supports Santali (Odisha), Bhili (Madhya Pradesh), Mundari (Jharkhand), and Gondi (Chhattisgarh). Work is underway to add Kui and Garo. A live demonstration showed real-time translation in Bhili and Gondi, which experts verified during the event.
Features of Adi Vaani
- Real-time text and speech translation between Hindi, English, and tribal languages.
- Interactive learning modules for students and early learners.
- Digitization of folklore, oral traditions, and tribal cultural heritage.
- Subtitled advisories and government messages, including Prime Minister’s speeches.
- Support for education, healthcare, and governance in native languages.
The platform is accessible via the official web portal, with mobile applications for Android and iOS expected soon.
Towards Viksit Bharat 2047
Adi Vaani aligns with the vision of Digital India, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, PM JANMAN, and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. By digitizing and preserving endangered tribal languages, the project is expected to empower over 20 lakh tribal change leaders. This milestone contributes to the goal of building a knowledge-driven and inclusive Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The initiative sets a global example for low-resource language preservation using artificial intelligence, ensuring that India’s tribal heritage thrives in the digital era.
