Context: The Prime Minister used the ‘Bhashini AI Tool’ while delivering his speech during the inauguration ceremony of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2.0 at Namo Ghat in Varanasi.

AI translation tool Bhashini used during PM Modi’s speech

• Tamil Translation of Hindi Language: The Bhashini AI tool was used for the Tamil audience which used the earphones to access the Tamil translation of Hindi speech.

About Bhashini AI Tool

• About: It is a real-time Artificial Intelligence-based translation tool.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• Objective: It can be used by people to communicate in their own language while talking to speakers of other Indian languages.
• ‘Bhasadaan’ section:  Bhasha Daan includes the following categories for citizens to contribute to:
  • Suno India: Contribute by typing out audio content or validating transcriptions made by others.
  • Bolo India: Donate your voice through sentence recordings. Validate audio recordings contributed by others.
  • Likho India: Contribute by translating the provided text. Validate translations submitted by others.
  • Dekho India: Contribute by typing text seen or labeling images. Validate images contributed by others.

Importance of Bhashini AI Tool

• Digitization of Services in Local languages: According to Census 2001, India has 22 official languages, 122 major languages, and 1599 other languages. In response to the dominance of English content online despite India’s rich linguistic diversity, the  Bhashini  will encourage developers to provide digital services in local languages. 
• Potential Roadmap for Local Languages: As per a report by Analytics India Magazine, the project has a chance to create a roadmap to allow internet access for local languages.
• Promoting Financial inclusion in the Native language: Bhashini had the potential to help promote financial inclusivity by extending digital financial services to people in their native language.

News Source: Economic Times