The most understated, yet practical application of AI/ML in India - using OCR to Translate across languages

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized various domains, but its most unique applications often lie in areas where human ingenuity meets cutting-edge technology. Using advanced natural language processing and sentiment analysis, AI systems like chatbots and virtual therapists can provide personalized and empathetic interactions to those struggling with mental health challenges. ChatGPT, a versatile AI language model, has found unique applications across diverse fields, showcasing its potential beyond conventional uses. Additionally, ChatGPT has been employed in coding and software development to debug programs, write scripts, and explain complex algorithms. 

One of the unique use cases that is yet to gain popular attention is the use of AI tools for language translation. AI-driven translation tools, such as neural machine translation systems, leverage deep learning algorithms to produce translations that are contextually accurate and grammatically correct. Unlike traditional rule-based systems, AI models analyze vast datasets of multilingual texts to understand subtle nuances, idiomatic expressions, and cultural context, making translations more natural and human-like.

Many states in India have mandated that local government officials correspond with citizen only in the local language. One can debate the merits of such policies, but the fact remains that these are done for political and practical reasons - to nurture local language and culture and make it easy for local citizen to seek government services in their native language.

Given the high migration of professionals across the country for work, study or other opportunities, such "local language" policies may cause practical challenges. New residents of a city or state many may find it hard to correspond in the local ‘mother tongue,’ since they may be familiar with other languages like Hindi or English and not Kannada, Telugu, Marathi or Tamil. Learning to converse is the first step, but skills required to proficiently read and write in local language may be harder to acquire.

The local government in Bangalore, home to millions of tech professionals from around the country has mandated that all government correspondence would be in Kannada, the state’s language. In this brief video, IT leader and author Mohan K describes his experience in ‘reading’ responses to his petition from local government officials typed in Kannada. He had petitioned the local authorities for a documentation and after their review, he recieved a response. Given the sensivities around the issue, Mohan was not comfortable asking a neighbor or friend to translate the document, so he decided to explore the use of technologies. He describes how he used two freely available tools to address a practical challenge.

1. OCR Engine to extract text in Indian Languages
2. Google Translate to translate between Languages 

This unique use-case highlights how AI enabled tools that are freely available are making language translation faster, more accessible, and culturally sensitive.  AI is not only connecting people but also preserving and promoting linguistic diversity in an increasingly interconnected world.

As AI continues to evolve, it holds the promise of breaking down even the most complex linguistic barriers, creating a more interconnected world while preserving linguistic diversity. The journey of AI in translation is a testament to its potential to bridge cultures and unite humanity through the universal power of language.