In a technological milestone, the government’s artificial intelligence (AI) language project, Bhashini, was employed to live-translate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech from Hindi to Tamil during the launch of the second edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam. The event took place on Sunday evening at Namo Ghat in Varanasi, PM Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency.
Addressing the participants, PM Narendra Modi remarked, “Today, the use of new technology has taken place here through artificial intelligence (AI). This is a new beginning, and hopefully, it makes it easier for me to reach you.”
Bhashini, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), harnesses AI to develop language datasets and language-based technological solutions. Launched in 2022 as part of the National Language Translation Mission (NLTM), Bhashini’s primary objective is to establish a National Public Digital Platform for languages and significantly enhance Indian language content on the internet.
During the event, PM Modi also inaugurated the Kashi Tamil Sangamam Express, a train service set to connect Kanyakumari and Varanasi.
The Kashi Tamil Sangamam, scheduled from December 17-31, will host 1,400 dignitaries from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Their itinerary includes visits to Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya, as per an official statement.
PM Modi’s visit to Varanasi encompasses the inauguration of various development projects, including the second Vande Bharat train route connecting Varanasi and New Delhi.