Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly used the pioneering real-time Artificial Intelligence based translation tool, Bhashini, during his speech at Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi. According to the Times of India, the speech translation was done through Bhashini for those people among the audience who only understood Tamil. “Today, the use of new technology has occurred here through Artificial Intelligence. This is a new beginning, and hopefully, it will make it easier for me to reach you,” PM Modi said while addressing the gathering. The Prime Minister arrived at Varanasi to inaugurate Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2.0 at Namo Ghat.  

Kashi Tamil Sangamam, which marks its fresh start in 2023, is an initiative by the Government of India as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to uplift the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat. The second edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam is held from December 17 to 30, 2023. The event is part of the government’s Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat Yuva Sangam program.  

What is Bhashini? 

Bhashini is an AI-powered language translation system that enables people to speak in their own native language while talking to speakers of other Indian languages. It was in 2022 that the Government of India unveiled Bhashini. This native AI-based language translation platform can transcend language barriers by translating in real-time and enabling people from various languages to interact with each other over digital platforms.  

The platform aims to facilitate convenient internet and digital services accessibility in Indian languages, incorporating voice-based access and fostering content generation in these languages. This online platform also has a separate section called ‘Bhasha Daan’, which allows the public to contribute to multiple crowdsourcing initiatives and is accessible through respective Android and iOS apps.