Context:

Recently, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched the Beta version of “Adi Vaani”, India’s first AI-powered translator for tribal languages. This is a major step towards protecting endangered tribal languages and helping tribal communities connect with the rest of the country.

About Adi Vaani:

Adi Vaani is an AI-based translation tool that can translate speech and text between Hindi/English and tribal languages.

•  It’s being developed by top institutions like IIT Delhi, BITS Pilani, IIIT Hyderabad, and IIIT Raipur, along with help from Tribal Research Institutes in several states.

• A beta version is a pre-release version of software, hardware, or an application that is distributed to a select group of users for testing and feedback before its final launch

• The app will be field-tested across the country as part of the Adi Karmayogi initiative, a nation-wide capacity-building effort in tribal districts. The initiative aims to train 20 lakh volunteers and community leaders across 1 lakh tribal villages in 550 districts

Key Features of Adi Vaani:

• Translates text and speech between Hindi/English and tribal languages.
• Supports Text-to-Speech, Speech-to-Text, and even Speech-to-Speech.
• Offers language learning tools for students.
• Uses AI and OCR to digitize old tribal manuscripts and books.
• Includes subtitles for PM’s speeches, health messages, and info on government schemes in tribal languages.

Languages Covered (Beta Version):

• Santali (Odisha)
• Bhili (Madhya Pradesh)
• Mundari (Jharkhand)
• Gondi (Chhattisgarh)
• Kui and Garo are being added soon.

Importance of Adi Vaani:

India has over 461 tribal languages, and many are endangered. Without action, some could disappear. Adi Vaani helps by:

·        Preserving tribal languages using AI

·        Improving education and healthcare access in tribal areas

·        Helping people understand government schemes and rights in their own language

·        Promoting inclusion and digital literacy in remote communities

·        Saving oral traditions, folklore, and culture in digital form

India’s Tribal Linguistic Diversity

According to the 2011 Census:

·         Bhili is spoken by over 1.04 crore people (mainly in MP, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat)

·         Santali – 73.68 lakh speakers (Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Assam)

·         Gondi – 29.84 lakh (Chhattisgarh, MP, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra)

·         Mundari – 11.28 lakh (Jharkhand, Odisha)

·         Kui – 9.41 lakh (Odisha)

·         Garo – 11.45 lakh (Meghalaya, Assam)

Conclusion:

Aadi Vaani is not just a translator—it’s a tool for inclusion, enabling tribal citizens to access education, government services, and public information in their own languages.  Adi Vaani also supports key national missions like Digital India, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, PM JANMAN, Adi Karmayogi, and Gram Utkarsh. By using AI to preserve endangered tribal languages, it promotes inclusion, empowers communities, and strengthens governance, positioning India as a global leader in technology-driven linguistic and cultural preservation.