Adi Vaani – India’s First AI-Powered Translator for Tribal Languages

Launched by: Ministry of Tribal Affairs, GoI

Significance: Landmark step for tribal empowerment and preservation of India’s linguistic diversity

About Adi Vaani

• AI-based translation tool – foundation for future large language model dedicated to tribal languages.

• Combines advanced AI + community-driven approaches.

• Aim: Protect, promote, revitalize tribal languages & cultures.

India’s Tribal Linguistic Landscape

• 461 tribal languages spoken by Scheduled Tribes.

• 71 distinct tribal mother tongues (Census 2011).

• 81 vulnerable & 42 critically endangered languages.

• Risk: extinction due to poor documentation & weak intergenerational transmission.

Development & Collaborators

• Led by IIT Delhi, with BITS Pilani, IIIT Hyderabad, IIIT Naya Raipur.

• Collaboration with Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) in Jharkhand, Odisha, MP, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya.

Objectives

1. Real-time translation (text & speech) – Hindi/English ↔ tribal languages.

2. Interactive learning for students & early learners.

3. Digital preservation of folklore, oral traditions, cultural heritage.

4. Support in digital literacy, healthcare communication, civic inclusion.

5. Spread awareness on govt. schemes & important speeches (e.g., PM addresses, Sickle Cell Disease).

Scope & Supported Languages (Beta)

• Santali (Odisha)

• Bhili (Madhya Pradesh)

• Mundari (Jharkhand)

• Gondi (Chhattisgarh)

• Next phase: Kui, Garo.

Methodology & Features

• AI Models: NLLB (No Language Left Behind), IndicTrans2.

• Community participation: Data collection, validation by TRIs & local experts.

• Functional Toolkit:

  • Text ↔ Text, Text ↔ Speech, Speech ↔ Text, Speech ↔ Speech

  • OCR (Optical Character Recognition) for manuscripts

  • Bilingual dictionaries, curated repositories

  • Subtitles in tribal languages for PM’s speeches & health advisories

Impact & Way Forward

• Digitization & safeguarding of tribal knowledge.

• Education, healthcare & governance access in native languages.

• Promotes inclusive governance & last-mile reach.

• Positions India as global leader in AI-driven preservation of endangered languages.

• Supports Digital India, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, PM JANMAN.