Context:
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched Bharat Gen, India’s first indigenously developed, multimodal, AI-based Large Language Model (LLM) for Indian languages, at the BharatGen Summit. The initiative is supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) and implemented by TIH Foundation for IoT & IoE at IIT Bombay.
Main Features of Bharat Gen
- Multimodal LLM: Integrates text, speech, and image modalities
- Languages supported: 22 Indian languages
- Use Cases: AI-powered solutions for healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance
- Ethos: Ethical, inclusive, multilingual AI rooted in Indian values and culture
Key Objectives
- Promote region-specific AI solutions with cultural and linguistic relevance
- Enhance digital inclusion and trust, especially in remote areas (e.g., AI telemedicine in local languages)
- Realize the vision of “India’s Techade” through innovation and inclusion
Institutional Framework
- Executed through 25 Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs); 4 of them upgraded to Technology Translational Research Parks (TTRPs)
- Supported by a consortium of academic institutions, researchers, and startups
Strategic Pillars of BharatGen Mission
- Technology Development
- Entrepreneurship
- Human Resource Development
- International Collaboration
Highlights from the BharatGen Summit
- Launch of Generative AI Hackathon 2025 to engage students in solving real-world problems using AI
- MoU exchanges among government departments and research organizations to strengthen collaboration
Relevance to Broader Policy Landscape:
- Aligns with NEP 2020 promoting interdisciplinary and multilingual education
- Supports CPGRAMS modernization via multilingual AI-driven grievance redressal
- Complements PM-led initiatives like PM MUDRA Yojana, PM SVANidhi, and PM Vishwakarma Yojana
