New Delhi: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched the beta version of Adi Vaani, India’s first artificial intelligence-based translation platform for tribal languages. The initiative is designed to preserve linguistic heritage while improving access to education, governance, healthcare, and entrepreneurship in tribal communities. The launch was held at Samrasta Hall, Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, as part of the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh celebrations.

Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey said that language is the foundation of cultural identity and plays a vital role in connecting communities. He noted, “Adi Vaani will help bridge communication gaps for tribal communities residing in remote areas, empower tribal youth digitally, and support last-mile delivery of services under the Adi Karmayogi framework.”

Vibhu Nayar, Secretary of the Ministry, described Adi Vaani as a frugal innovation developed at nearly one-tenth the cost of commercial platforms. He said the project combines advanced technology with authentic linguistic data collected by State Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) and incorporates a feedback system to ensure continuous community-driven improvement.

Ranjan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, said the platform shows how artificial intelligence can be deployed to preserve languages, cultures, and traditions while bringing meaningful impact to people’s lives. Joint Secretary Anant Prakash Pandey added that the loss of language leads to the erosion of culture and heritage, emphasising that Adi Vaani is the result of collaboration between central and state governments, TRIs, and technical institutions.

Developed by a consortium led by IIT Delhi in partnership with BITS Pilani, IIIT Hyderabad, IIIT Nava Raipur, and TRIs from Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Meghalaya, Adi Vaani is available on its web portal (https://adivaani.tribal.gov.in). The beta app will soon be launched on Play Store and iOS.

The current version supports Santali (Odisha), Bhili (Madhya Pradesh), Mundari (Jharkhand), and Gondi (Chhattisgarh). Kui and Garo are under development. Key features include real-time text and speech translation between Hindi, English, and tribal languages, interactive language learning modules, digitisation of folklore and oral traditions, and subtitled advisories and government messages.

Officials said the platform will support digitisation of endangered languages while promoting inclusive access to public services in native languages. The initiative aligns with Digital India, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, PM JANMAN, Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. It is expected to empower over 20 lakh tribal youth and community leaders as part of the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

BI Bureau