22 Languages, Digitally Reimagined

Overview India's linguistic diversity, comprising 22 Scheduled Languages and numerous regional dialects, is being integrated into the digital infrastructure through advanced technologies. The Government of India is utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) , Natural Language Processing (NLP) , and machine learning to create scalable language solutions. These initiatives aim to democratize access to digital services, ensuring that every citizen can participate in the digital economy and governance, regardless of their mother tongue. Key Platforms Driving Linguistic Inclusion Several platforms and initiatives are at the forefront of this linguistic inclusion: Bhashini and BharatGen: These AI platforms offer multilingual support across governance, healthcare, and education. Adi-Vaani: This initiative brings tribal languages into the digital sphere. SPPEL (Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages): Focuses on documenting and digitally archiving endangered languages. Sanchika: A digital repository managed by the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), aggregating resources for Scheduled and tribal languages. Key Initiatives and Platforms Adi-Vaani: AI for Tribal Language Inclusion Founded in 2024 , Adi-Vaani is India’s first AI -driven platform dedicated to the real-time translation and preservation of tribal languages. It supports languages such as Santali , Bhili , Mundari , and Gondi , which have traditionally relied on oral transmission. By enabling real-time translation, Adi-Vaani preserves linguistic traditions and makes them accessible for education, governance, and cultural documentation. Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages (SPPEL) Launched in 2013 by the Ministry of Education and implemented by the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru , the SPPEL focuses on documenting and digitally archiving endangered Indian languages, particularly those spoken by fewer than 10,000 people. This scheme generates text, audio, and video datasets that support both preservation and innovation, providing critical resources for AI and NLP systems. Sanchika: Digital Repository for Indian Languages Managed by the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) , Sanchika aggregates dictionaries, primers, storybooks, and multimedia resources for Scheduled and tribal languages. This centralized digital archive is a vital data source for training language models, developing translation systems, and preserving cultural narratives. The platform offers linguistically categorized digital resources that aid academic research, language education, and cultural documentation. BharatGen: AI Models for Indian Languages BharatGen develops advanced text-to-text and text-to-speech translation models for all 22 Scheduled Languages . It leverages data from SPPEL and Sanchika to create multilingual AI systems that power applications in governance, education, and healthcare, ensuring that digital content is accessible in every major Indian language. These systems enhance digital accessibility and inclusivity across various sectors. UPSC Relevance This article is relevant to the UPSC syllabus, particularly in the following areas: GS2: Government Policies and Interventions, Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education. GS3: Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life. GS1: Indian Culture - Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. Potential Exam Questions Discuss the role of technology in preserving and promoting India's linguistic diversity. Evaluate the effectiveness of government initiatives like SPPEL in protecting endangered languages. Analyze the potential of AI -driven platforms like Bhashini and BharatGen in enhancing digital inclusion.