India launches ‘Adi Vaani’, first AI-powered translator for tribal languages

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs on Monday launched the beta version of ‘Adi Vaani’, the country’s first artificial intelligence-powered translator for tribal languages, aimed at preserving indigenous heritage and improving access to education, healthcare and governance.

The platform, developed by a consortium led by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, will initially support Santali, Bhili, Mundari and Gondi, with Kui and Garo under development. The service is live on a government portal portal https://adivaani.tribal.gov.in with a mobile version expected shortly.

Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey, who unveiled the initiative in New Delhi, said the tool would help bridge communication gaps for remote communities and empower tribal youth.

Vibhu Nayar, secretary of the tribal affairs ministry, described the project as a low-cost innovation, developed at roughly one-tenth the cost of commercial alternatives, using linguistic data collected by state Tribal Research Institutes. He added that the platform features a feedback system to ensure continuous improvement through community participation.

According to the ministry, ‘Adi Vaani’ will enable real-time translation between Hindi, English and tribal languages, digitize folklore and oral traditions, and provide subtitled advisories, including health messages and prime ministerial speeches.

By digitizing and preserving tribal linguistic heritage, Adi Vaani aligns with national missions such as Digital India, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, PM JANMAN, Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan.

The ministry expects the platform to empower more than 20 lakh tribal change leaders and contribute to building an inclusive, knowledge-driven Viksit Bharat by 2047.