Last Updated: December 17, 2023, 21:36 IST
Varanasi Cantonment, India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses during the inauguration of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2.0, at Namo Ghat in Varanasi. (Image/PTI)
During his speech at Kashi Tamil Sangamam, a new experiment was tried wherein a new real-time Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based translation tool called ‘Bhashini’ was used for those in the audience who understood Tamil
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday arrived in Varanasi and inaugurated the Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2.0 at Namo Ghat in Kashi and flagged off the Kashi Tamil Sangamam Express between Kanyakumari and Varanasi.
During his speech at Kashi Tamil Sangamam, a new experiment was tried wherein a new real-time Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based translation tool called ‘Bhashini’ was used for those in the audience who understood Tamil.
“We are using this AI technology for the first time,” PM Modi said, urging those who came from Tamil Nadu to use their earphones to listen to his speech.
“Today, the use of new technology has taken place here through Artificial Intelligence. This is a new beginning and hopefully, it makes it easier for me to reach you,” the prime minister said during his address.
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Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reacted to the use of ‘Bhashini’ during PM Modi’s speech and called it an “exciting step” taken by the PMO.
“An exciting step forward taken by @PMOIndia today at Kashi Tamil Sangamam #Bhashini is a digital product of the National Language Translation Mission. Bhashini and Artificial Intelligence (AI) working together, translated PM Narendra Modi’s speech into Tamil in real-time,” an X post by the Finance Minister said.
What is ‘Bhashini’?
‘Bhashini’ is an AI-based language translation system that enables people to speak in their native language while talking to speakers of other Indian languages, who don’t understand the said language. It is accessible via respective Android and iOS apps.
The app also has a separate ‘Bhasadaan’ section which allows individuals to contribute to multiple crowdsourcing initiatives.
PM Modi arrived in Varanasi on Sunday on a two-day visit during which he is set to launch and inaugurate 37 projects worth more than Rs 19,000 crore for the city and Purvanchal.
“Tamil Nadu and Kashi share a special bond. You all have come here as members of my family, more than just guests. I welcome you all to the Kashi Tamil Sangamam. Kashi Tamil Sangamam furthers the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’,” the prime minister said during inauguration of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam.
“Coming to Kashi from Tamil Nadu means going from one house of Mahadev to his other house. Coming to Kashi from Tamil Nadu means going from the place of Madurai Meenakshi to the place of Kashi Vishalakshi. That is why the love and bond that exists in the heart between the people of Tamil Nadu and the people of Kashi is different and unique,” he added.
