Initiative to revolutionise how Govt depts communicate, engage with citizens: CM
Shillong, Apr 29: The state government has signed an MoU with Digital India Bhashini Division, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), for launch and integration of Garo and Khasi languages into the Bhashini platform.
Bhashini is a central government initiative to help citizens translate content and communicate in different Indian languages leveraging cutting-edge natural language technologies.
Already implemented in 22 Indian languages, inclusion of Garo and Khasi in Bhashini will now enable Meghalaya to join a select group of states making their indigenous languages digitally accessible across the nation.
Addressing the occasion, chief minister Conrad K Sangma said, “This initiative will revolutionise how government departments communicate and engage with citizens. It will open new opportunities for entrepreneurs and help in making governance more inclusive and effective.”
Art and culture minister Paul Lyngdoh and members of Khasi Literature Society and A’chik Literature Society, CEO Digital India Bhashini Division Amitabh Nag, and commissioner secretary (IT) Pravin Bakshi were also present at the MoU signing ceremony.
Meanwhile, a State Language Mission for Bhashini has been constituted to ensure seamless integration, research, and continued development of digital resources for Garo and Khasi languages, including incorporation of distinct alphabets and dialectical nuances.
Underscoring preservation of indigenous languages and cultures, the chief minister said, “Language is our identity. Culture defines who we are. While we embrace technology, we must never forget our roots.”
“Our government is committed to research, conservation, and documentation of the languages, cultures, and histories of all tribes and communities in Meghalaya,” he added.
Discussions are also ongoing to explore deeper historical and cultural connections between the tribes of Meghalaya and those in other regions such as Myanmar and Cambodia, he informed.
Khasi language was incorporated in Bhashini app recently while Garo is in the process of being built in AI model form.
The MoU is expected to speed up inclusion of Garo in Bhashini app and help mature Khasi language with more inputs.
