CM Dhami Launches Voice Collection Portal for Garhwali, Kumaoni and Jaunsari Languages
Campaign begins with the Chief Minister’s Kumaoni voice clip; initiative aims to preserve Uttarakhand’s regional languages through AI
Modern technology is essential for the preservation and promotion of local languages: CM Dhami
AI-powered language initiative aims to improve access to government information in local languages, including in remote villages
Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday launched a voice collection portal for Garhwali, Kumaoni and Jaunsari under the ‘Bhasha AI’ initiative developed by the AI Strategic Engineering (AiSE) Foundation. The portal was launched at the Chief Minister’s Camp Office, with the campaign beginning with a voice clip recorded by the Chief Minister in Kumaoni.
The initiative aims to connect Uttarakhand’s rich linguistic heritage with artificial intelligence (AI) to support the preservation and promotion of regional languages and expand their use across digital platforms.
Appreciating the initiative, Chief Minister Dhami said that local languages and dialects are an integral part of the state’s identity. He emphasised that modern technology must be used to preserve linguistic heritage and pass on folk art, culture and traditions to future generations.
The Chief Minister noted that the use of artificial intelligence is expanding rapidly and is expected to become even more widespread in the coming years. He said regional languages must also be integrated into this technological progress so that Uttarakhand’s linguistic heritage can gain wider national and international recognition.
Dhami said the state government aims to ensure that people living in remote villages and border areas can access information about government schemes and welfare programmes in their own languages. The initiative could also help residents communicate their concerns, suggestions and needs to the government more easily.
He stressed that AI systems must be able to understand local languages accurately to achieve this objective. This would require the systematic collection of regional vocabulary, correct pronunciation patterns and variations in local speech.
According to the Chief Minister, the same word may be pronounced differently across various parts of Uttarakhand. The voice collection portal will help capture these linguistic variations by enabling the collection of local words and voice recordings. Such contributions can help AI systems better recognise regional vocabulary, pronunciation and speaking styles.
Expressing confidence in the initiative, Dhami said it could play an important role in preserving Uttarakhand’s regional languages and connecting younger generations with their cultural roots, folk traditions and heritage. He extended his best wishes to everyone involved in the campaign.
Padma Shri awardee and folk singer Pritam Bhartwan said Uttarakhand’s regional languages embody a rich heritage of folk life, folk songs, Jagar traditions and cultural practices. He emphasised the importance of preserving their authenticity and correct pronunciation. Jagar Academy will support the initiative in maintaining the linguistic accuracy and cultural distinctiveness of these languages.
AiSE Foundation founder Sachidanand Semwal said the Bhasha AI initiative is collecting words and voice recordings in Garhwali, Kumaoni and Jaunsari. The long-term objective is to enable AI-powered technologies to communicate in these regional languages and better understand language-specific information.
Shakti Prasad Bhatt, Gajendra Nautiyal, Anirudh Raithwan, Nidhi Semwal, Anil Godiyal, Dr J.K. Pandey and Dev Raturi were among those present at the event, along with other dignitaries.
