India has been actively striving to become a technologically advanced nation, with endeavours such as implementing 5G networks, developing smart cities, and embracing artificial intelligence. 

These efforts are aimed at fostering progress and creating a brighter future for the country. To further enhance the skillset of the nation, the government has introduced a free online Artificial Intelligence skill training course, available in multiple Indian languages.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan marked the occasion of World Youth Skills Day by launching AI for India 2.0, the free online Artificial Intelligence skill training course. Developed as a collaboration between Skill India and GUVI, this accredited online program, endorsed by NCVET and IIT Madras, aims to equip young individuals with cutting-edge skills. 

GUVI, a startup incubated at IIT Madras, is a technology platform that facilitates learning in vernacular languages. The program has been curated in nine different Indian languages.

According to an official statement, Pradhan, who serves as the Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, emphasised the importance of offering technology courses in Indian languages. 

He stated that technology should not be limited by language and praised the launch of such courses as a positive step in breaking down language barriers in technology education. Pradhan further mentioned that this initiative is a significant stride towards future-proofing the youth, especially those in rural areas.

Highlighting India's tech-savvy nature, the minister pointed out the country's successful adoption of digital payments as a testament to its technological prowess. 

The minister expressed satisfaction that GUVI has undertaken the commendable initiative to educate the underprivileged population, often referred to as the "bottom of the pyramid," in advanced and innovative technologies.

Other than this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced Bhashini, an indigenously developed AI-based language translation tool, during his speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on July 4

"We would be delighted to share India's AI-based language platform Bhashini with everyone to remove language barriers within SCO. It can become an example of digital technology and inclusive growth," Modi said, while addressing SCO heads of state, including Russia's Vladimir Putin, China’s Xi Jinping, Iran's Ebrahim Raisi and Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif.

Introduced in July of the previous year, Bhashini, also referred to as the National Language Technology Mission (NLTM), has the objective of providing language technology solutions as digital public goods via its platform. 

The mission of this initiative for local language translation is to utilize modern technology to bridge the gap among different Indian languages. The government portal seeks to offer AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) resources in the public domain, benefiting Indian MSMEs, startups, and individual innovators.