Employees were introduced to Bhashini, Kanthasth, Gyan Bharatam and Adi Vaani during a workshop opening Hindi Pakhwada 2026.
Imphal, September 4: Artificial intelligence is entering an area of university administration where many employees continue to face a practical difficulty—the routine use of Hindi for noting, drafting and official communication.
Manipur University explored this possibility through a one-day workshop on “Artificial Intelligence and Hindi” held on September 3 at the Committee Room of the Vice-Chancellor’s Secretariat. The programme also marked the opening of Hindi Pakhwada 2026 at the University.
The workshop moved the discussion beyond the ceremonial observance of an official-language fortnight. Its focus was on whether emerging technology could help employees overcome language-related difficulties encountered in their daily work.
Dr. Tilokchand Irengbam, Programmer at Manipur University, introduced participants to AI-enabled language platforms, including Bhashini, Kanthasth, Gyan Bharatam and Adi Vaani.
The initiatives highlighted during the technical session involve the Department of Official Language under the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
Such platforms can assist with translation, language processing and the preparation of content. Their relevance to university administration lies in their potential to make official-language work more accessible to employees who may understand Hindi but remain less confident while drafting documents.
Opening the programme, Vice-Chancellor in-charge Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh encouraged employees to make Hindi a natural part of their office work instead of treating it merely as an official requirement.
Prof. Hemakumar, who is also Chairman of the University’s Official Language Implementation Committee, said modern technology could support the wider adoption of the language in institutional communication.
Dr. Binita Akoijam, Assistant Director of the Official Language Cell, said the workshop was intended to provide practical assistance to employees facing difficulties in using Hindi. She stressed that promoting the language could not remain the responsibility of the Official Language Cell alone and required participation from offices across the University.
She also referred to employees who had not yet received Hindi training and said efforts would be made to facilitate training opportunities, including through online programmes where required.
A series of activities—including recitation, extempore speech, dictation, handwriting and a Hindi proficiency test—was conducted as part of the Hindi Pakhwada programme.
Registrar Prof. M. Premjit Singh, Finance Officer Prof. Laishram Rajendra Singh, Assistant Registrar (Senior Scale) Anisul Alam, Librarian in-charge Dr. Memori Sagolsem and Public Relations Officer Dr. Sakila Nongmeikapam attended the programme along with members of the Official Language Implementation Committee, teachers and staff.
AI may reduce the hesitation involved in working in another language. Whether it changes everyday office practice will depend on how confidently—and carefully—employees learn to use it.
