New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs continues its efforts towards inclusive tribal empowerment and the preservation of India’s rich linguistic diversity. In the second phase, seven more tribal languages will be included in Adi Vaani.
The Ministry’s AI-powered tribal language translation platform, Adi Vaani, plans to include seven more languages of tribal people from various states, including Maharashtra and Tripura. In the second phase, the Ministry will include these languages spoken by tribal communities in different parts of the country.
Notably, there are 461 tribal languages spoken by Scheduled Tribes. There are also 71 distinct tribal mother tongues. 81 languages are categorized as vulnerable, while 42 are considered critically endangered. Many languages are at risk of extinction due to insufficient documentation and a lack of intergenerational transmission.
This initiative combines the latest AI technology with a community-based strategy to safeguard, promote, and revitalize tribal languages and cultures across India.
Current Status of Adi Vaani
The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs stated that the Adi Vaani app, an AI-powered translation platform, is already available on the Android platform and web portal. The iOS version is under development. Currently, the app and web portal support Gondi from Chhattisgarh, Mundari from Jharkhand, Bhili from Madhya Pradesh, and Santali from Odisha. It added that Kui from Odisha and Garo from Meghalaya are under development.
The platform was launched here on September 1 last year as part of the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh (Tribal Pride Year) celebrations by the Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Durga Das Uikey. The Minister emphasized the importance of tribal languages and their preservation, stating that it will help maintain the identity of tribal languages. The Way Forward
The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs stated that, in the second phase of the project, it is proposed to include seven more languages in Adi Vaani. The proposed seven languages include Katkari from Maharashtra, Koya from Andhra Pradesh, Kokborok from Tripura, Betta Kuruba from Karnataka, Thadou Kuki and Tangkhul from Manipur, and Chodri from Gujarat.
Meanwhile, to ensure accuracy, regular testing is being conducted with different sets of sentences in tribal languages with the help of language experts from the respective communities. Specific privacy policies are already embedded in the app to ensure data privacy, while security audits are also being conducted through CERT-empanelled third-party agencies. Highlights of Adi Vaani
According to the ministry, it facilitates real-time translation of text and speech in Hindi, English, and tribal languages. It has been stated that the app is being used to translate educational and governance materials, such as documentation on sickle cell disease and speeches by prominent personalities and thinkers, into local tribal languages.
What do experts say about Adi Vaani?
Speaking to ETV Bharat, tribal rights expert Dr. Bikrant Tiwari said on Friday that, from the ground level, this step seems both meaningful and practical.
He said that in the villages where they work in Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of West Bengal, language is often the first barrier between tribal communities and the systems that serve them. Whether it’s a health worker explaining about sickle cell disease, a teacher sharing educational materials, or a government scheme being launched, the message often gets lost before it reaches the intended audience.
He further added that when information comes in a familiar tribal language, people listen differently. They connect, they ask questions, and they participate with confidence. He said that expanding Adivani to include more tribal languages like Katkari and Kokborok is not just a technical upgrade; it’s a step towards respect. It tells communities that their language matters, their identity matters, and they are not expected to abandon who they are to access development.
The tribal expert further added that we must also ensure that this effort remains community-led. Local speakers, teachers, and youth should be involved in validating translations and shaping the content. This can create livelihood opportunities and also ensure that dialects and cultural contexts are not diluted.
Also read: Modi government’s roadmap on AI: Productivity will increase, but a policy on ‘ethical AI’ will be necessary
