AI Leap for Multilingual India

Voice-first AI agent can empower millions of micro-entrepreneurs with voice tools, helping rural citizens access digital services in their own languages

- DHANENDRA KUMAR

NOTHING HAS TRANSFORMED our lives in the recent past as the internet. However, today, it is artificial intelligence (AI) that is becoming a vital part of our daily lives and workplaces.

AI is the ability of machines and software to simulate human intelligence. It can understand, reason, learn, and assist with decision-making. Its transformative impact is profound, in myriad ways.

Sometime ago, DeepSeek of China had created a stir among existing global platforms like ChatGPT. Now India is coming up with the country's first indigenous AI large language model platform (LLM), Sarvam, which is based in Bengaluru. It is the first start-up chosen for full support by the government under the ₹10,370-crore IndiaAI Mission, with the model to be ready within six months.

AI is adding to the world economy significantly, with efficiency and productivity. According to a 2024 report by PwC, AI is expected to contribute over $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with India poised to get a significant share. It is also not replacing jobs; however, we need to reskill our youth. In fact, AI is expected to create over 20 million new jobs in India.

What is a "voice-first AI agent"? It is a personalized human-like virtual assistant one can talk to — like a colleague or assistant — and in one's own language. There is no need to type any text, one can simply speak and the AI understands and responds to it instantly.