On June 2, the Indian government unveiled ‘Bharat Gen,’ a groundbreaking large language model (LLM) specifically designed for Indian languages. Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister for Science and Technology, introduced this initiative at the BharatGen Summit. This summit brings together the brightest minds in generative AI and is the largest of its kind in India.
Bharat Gen aims to create ethical and inclusive AI. It connects text, speech, and images, supporting 22 Indian languages. Dr. Singh emphasized that this project is built on Indian values, intending to serve every citizen across various sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture. “This will help deliver solutions tailored to regional needs,” he said.
Interestingly, Dr. Singh pointed out how AI can enhance telemedicine. An AI-driven doctor can communicate in a patient’s native language, fostering trust and improving healthcare access in remote areas. This approach mirrors global trends where language barriers often hinder effective medical care.
Recent statistics reveal that 42% of patients in India prefer consultations in their local dialect, underlining the importance of language in healthcare. A linguistically diverse AI can potentially revolutionize this landscape.
Bharat Gen is backed by the Department of Science and Technology and collaborates with leading academic institutions, aiming to pave the way for innovative AI development. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a tech-savvy and inclusive India.
Experts note that initiatives like Bharat Gen not only foster technological advancement but also address socio-economic disparities. The growing importance of language in technology reflects a broader trend of personalization in AI services, making them more accessible for diverse populations.
The initiative stems from the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems and utilizes a network of 25 Technology Innovation Hubs. Overall, Bharat Gen showcases India’s commitment to making technology work for its people, ensuring that no one is left behind.
For more insights on India’s technological advancements, you can check resources like the [Department of Science and Technology](https://dst.gov.in) or follow updates from the [Press Information Bureau of India](https://pib.gov.in).