AI Powered Translation Tool Used to Translate PM Modi’s Speech

Last Updated on December 18, 2023 by SPN Editor

In a recent event in Uttar Pradesh, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi used AI powered Translation tool named Bhashini to deliver a speech that was translated in real-time.

Bhashini is a product of government initiative and collective effort. Thousands of Indians contributed data in their native languages to create open-source language datasets. These datasets serve as a foundation for others to develop tools, as reported by Reuters earlier this month. This collaborative approach underscores the potential of Artificial Intelligence in fostering linguistic inclusivity and accessibility through AI powered translation tools.

The Prime Minister expressed his excitement about the technology’s potential to broaden his outreach. “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,” PM Modi said at Kashi Tamil Sangamam.

He hailed this as a fresh start and expressed optimism that it would simplify his communication with the audience. The speech was translated using ‘Bhashini’, an AI powered translation system. This system allows individuals to converse in their native language while interacting with speakers of other Indian languages.

The Prime Minister highlighted the special relationship between Tamil Nadu and Varanasi. “Traveling from Tamil Nadu to Kashi is akin to moving from one abode of Mahadev to another,” he remarked.

He expressed confidence that the residents of Kashi would go above and beyond in their hospitality. “When you depart, you will carry not only the blessings of Baba Vishwanath but also the flavor, culture, and memories of Kashi,” PM Modi assured.

The Kashi Tamil Sangamam, which will last for a month, is expected to attract approximately 1,400 dignitaries from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The event will feature cultural exchange programs and an exhibition that showcases the vibrant array of art, music, handloom, handicrafts, cuisines, and other unique products from Tamil Nadu and Varanasi.

Other AI powered translation tools available in India

In India, a variety of AI powered translation tools are making significant strides in breaking down language barriers and making technology accessible and productive for everyone, regardless of their spoken or read language. Here are some notable examples:

Microsoft’s AI powered translation: Since 1998, Microsoft has been revolutionizing translation for Indian languages with AI through a project known as Project Bhasha. They have also incorporated Deep Neural Networks to enhance real-time language translation for Hindi, Bengali, and Tamil.

AI4Bharat: This research lab at IIT Madras is dedicated to developing open-source datasets, tools, models, and applications for Indian languages. Some of their major contributions include IndicCorp, BPCC, Shrutilipi, Kathbath, IndicBERT, IndicTrans, IndicXlit, IndicWav2Vec, IndicWhishper, and TTS.

Ek Step Foundation’s AI-based translation tools: These tools have found application at the Supreme Court in India and Bangladesh, demonstrating their practical utility.

Jugalbandi: This AI-based chatbot, launched by the government-backed AI4Bharat centre, is capable of answering questions on welfare schemes in several Indian languages.

Major Players in AI Powered Translation Tools

Google Translate: This AI powered translation tool stands at the forefront of AI-driven language translation, offering machine translations at no cost. It’s a pioneer in the field, making language translation accessible to everyone.

Microsoft Translator: This platform has carved a niche for itself in the AI translation landscape. It’s a widely recognized tool known for its reliable translation capabilities.

DeepL: This tool takes a unique approach to translation by leveraging artificial neural networks. It’s particularly adept at translating longer sentences and paragraphs while preserving the original context and meaning.

SYSTRAN Translate: As a relatively new entrant in the AI powered translation arena, SYSTRAN Translate has quickly gained recognition. It’s a testament to the rapid evolution and competitiveness of the field.

Smartcat AI: This tool goes beyond simple translation, offering a comprehensive suite of AI-driven solutions tailored for businesses. It delivers instant results for translation and content management needs, making it a versatile tool for diverse requirements.

These AI powered translation tools employ sophisticated techniques to deliver translations that surpass the accuracy and naturalness of traditional machine translation. They’re designed to learn from user feedback, continually improving over time.

They can even handle industry-specific jargon and colloquial language in various languages. Some of these AI powered translation tools, notably Smartcat AI and DeepL, come with additional features like automatic language detection, text-to-speech capabilities, and alternative translations for word or phrase substitutions.

Future of AI Powered Translation Tools

The future of AI powered translation is bright and is set to transform how we communicate across different languages. Here are some anticipated developments and trends:

Device Integration: Future technologies may see AI powered translation tools becoming a standard feature in everyday devices such as smartphones and laptops. This would facilitate instantaneous communication between individuals, irrespective of their native language.

Enhanced Efficiency and Precision: AI powered translation tools are continually evolving, becoming more sophisticated and precise. This evolution is making translation services quicker, more affordable, and increasingly accessible. These tools employ machine learning and natural language processing to translate text, audio, and video content automatically.

Harmonizing AI and Human Expertise: The future of translation could involve a harmonious blend of AI-powered efficiency and human expertise. This balance ensures that the quality of translations meets the specific requirements of the content and its intended audience.

Progress in Machine Translation: Machine translation, a significant advancement in AI translation, is much quicker than human translation. It can translate extensive volumes of text in a short duration. It’s also highly consistent, cost-effective, scalable, and supports multiple languages simultaneously.

Domain-Specific Customization: AI translation models can be tailored for specific domains and industries. This customization results in more precise and relevant translations for specialized content.

Business Impact: The influence of AI powered translation on businesses is substantial. It opens up new opportunities across various industries and fosters global cultural connections.

AI powered translation tools hold immense potential for the future. They are poised to revolutionize communication by breaking down language barriers and fostering global understanding. By enabling real-time translation of numerous languages, these tools can make interactions seamless and inclusive, irrespective of one’s linguistic background.

Moreover, the collaborative approach in developing these tools, as seen in the creation of open-source language datasets, underscores the power of collective effort in technological advancement. As these tools continue to evolve, they will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping a more connected and linguistically diverse digital world. The future of AI in language translation is indeed promising and holds exciting possibilities that we are just beginning to explore