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India’s First AI Translator for Tribal Languages Launched
What’s new
- Launch date: On September 1, 2025, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched Adi Vaani, India’s first AI-based translation platform for tribal languages. This Beta version is already accessible to the public.
- Web portal: A fully functional portal has been launched, where users can try out translations, explore learning modules, and experience digitized tribal content.
- Mobile app: The ministry announced that the app will be released in stages, starting with the Google Play Store for Android users, while an iOS version will follow soon after.
- Consortium team: The project is led by IIT Delhi, in collaboration with BITS Pilani, IIIT Hyderabad, IIIT Nava Raipur, and State Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) of Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Meghalaya.
Initial language coverage
- Beta launch: Adi Vaani currently supports Santali, Bhili, Mundari, and Gondi. These are among the most widely spoken tribal languages, ensuring a strong start for the platform.
- Upcoming languages: Work is already underway on Kui and Garo, which will be added in the next phase, gradually expanding coverage to more regions.
Key features
- Real-time translation: The platform offers instant text and speech translation between tribal languages and Hindi/English, helping bridge communication gaps in education, healthcare, and governance.
- Voice tools: With speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and speech-to-speech options, users can easily communicate in their mother tongue, making the tool accessible even to non-literate speakers.
- OCR support: The system can scan and convert printed books, manuscripts, and primers into digital format, preserving cultural and educational material for future generations.
- Learning modules: Interactive language-learning modules allow students and early learners to practice tribal languages in structured formats, boosting literacy and confidence.
- Govt messages: Important government communications—such as the Prime Minister’s addresses or health advisories like sickle-cell awareness—are translated into tribal languages with subtitles or audio, improving last-mile delivery.
Why it matters
- Language diversity: India has 461 tribal languages and 71 recognized tribal mother tongues. Many are at risk of extinction, making this initiative vital for preservation.
- Cultural preservation: Adi Vaani safeguards endangered tongues by digitizing folklore, songs, and oral histories, ensuring they remain accessible to younger generations.
- Service access: Translating key schemes, welfare messages, and healthcare guides empowers tribal communities to fully participate in public services without language barriers.
- Community input: Over 250 native speakers, educators, and local leaders contributed words, stories, and translations, making the AI system more authentic and accurate.
How it was built
- AI foundation: The platform is powered by low-resource translation models, adapted from global systems like NLLB and IndicTrans2, but trained specifically for tribal languages.
- Field data: TRIs provided critical on-ground resources, from dictionaries to translated NCERT textbooks and oral literature, feeding data into the AI models.
- Low cost: Unlike expensive commercial translation projects, Adi Vaani was developed at one-tenth of the usual cost, making it a frugal yet impactful innovation.
- Feedback loop: The system includes user-driven corrections and updates, ensuring that translations evolve and improve over time with community feedback.
Where to use
- Web portal: Users can already access the portal to test translations, explore digitized resources, and contribute feedback.
- Mobile app: The Android version will be launched first to reach the widest user base, with iOS support planned soon, ensuring maximum accessibility.
Early focus languages
- Bhili spread: Spoken across Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Bhili is the most widely spoken non-scheduled tribal language, making it a strong choice for the Beta launch.
- Santali, Gondi, Mundari: These languages also have large speaker populations and a pressing need for educational resources. Their inclusion ensures both immediate impact and long-term preservation.
Expected impact
- Education boost: By digitizing primers and enabling mother-tongue learning, Adi Vaani will help tribal students learn faster and better.
- Health access: Translation of health campaigns, advisories, and awareness programs ensures that critical information reaches communities in their own languages.
- Cultural archive: Folklore, oral traditions, and songs can now be digitally preserved, creating an everlasting archive for future generations.
- Local business: Entrepreneurs, artisans, and creators can reach wider markets by producing content and services in their native languages with AI support.
Digital India link
- Policy fit: Adi Vaani supports the Digital India vision and the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat mission, promoting unity through linguistic diversity.
- Scheme link: It directly contributes to PM JANMAN (Janjatiya Anusandhan Mission for tribal welfare), strengthening government outreach.
- Tech inclusion: The initiative complements Bhashini, India’s broader language technology platform, ensuring that tribal languages are not left behind in the digital era.
What’s next
- More languages: The addition of Kui and Garo is already planned, with many more tribal languages expected in later stages.
- Better models: AI systems will be continuously upgraded with community feedback and additional data, enhancing accuracy and usability.
- Government use: Ministries and state departments are expected to adopt Adi Vaani for scheme announcements, education, and welfare programs in local tribal languages.
Important Questions
- What is the primary goal of the Adi Vaani AI translator?
- Which four tribal languages are available in the Adi Vaani Beta version?
- How does Adi Vaani improve access to education and healthcare for tribal communities?
- Which institutions and research bodies collaborated to develop Adi Vaani?
- How does Adi Vaani contribute to the preservation of endangered tribal languages?
Conclusion
Adi Vaani marks a significant step in preserving India’s tribal heritage while bridging language gaps in education, governance, and healthcare. By combining advanced AI technology with community participation, the tool not only safeguards endangered languages but also empowers tribal communities with better access to information and opportunities in their mother tongue.
Download Online Mock Test Mobile APP
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