July 6, 17:33

IIT Madras offers AI courses in Hindi to expand access to Indian citizens for technology

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is taking steps to overcome the language barrier in Artificial Intelligence (AI) by offering its courses in Hindi through the SWAYAM Plus platform. The goal of this initiative is to make AI education accessible to a wider range of Indian citizens who might feel excluded due to the complexity of the technology or the language barrier.

Expanding the Scope of AI

For a long time, AI was perceived as a field exclusively for engineers and coders. However, the capabilities of AI extend far beyond computer labs. It can be useful for students in commerce to understand automation, for teachers to improve lesson planning, for chemical researchers to study reactions, and even for cricket fans to analyze match patterns based on data.

The 'AI for All' Initiative

This gap that IIT Madras sought to address was part of the 'AI for All' initiative, launched in May 2025 in collaboration with IIT Madras Pravartak. The initial idea was to raise the level of AI literacy among students from various disciplines, especially those interested in technology but unsure where to start. The first batch of the program attracted over 42,000 registrations, and the second batch in September 2025 exceeded 50,000 registrations.

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IIT Madras offers AI courses in Hindi to expand access to technology for Indian citizens

A significant step was taken on January 22, 2026, when SWAYAM Plus began offering these courses in Hindi. This brought AI education closer to students for whom concepts are better absorbed in their native language. The program includes six free online beginner courses in Hindi: 'AI for Educators', 'AI in Physics', 'AI in Chemistry', 'AI in Accounting', 'Cricket Analytics with AI', and 'AI/ML using Python'. The courses are built on practical activities, the use of real datasets, and case studies, requiring no prior programming knowledge and focusing on the application of AI in real-life situations.

Vision and Importance of Language

Professor R Sarathi, Dean of Planning at IIT Madras, emphasized that the goal is to dismantle the myth that AI is only for computer science specialists. Professor V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, added that since AI is becoming pervasive, it is critically important to create awareness on a large scale, and the bilingual nature of the courses ensures reach to a much broader audience across the country.

For Professor Sarathi, the shift to Hindi and eventually other Indian languages is based on years of pedagogical experience. He noted that when learning in one's mother tongue, the student feels more comfortable understanding the concept. This comfort is crucial when dealing with complex and rapidly evolving technologies. The courses are designed to reach students in second and third-tier cities where access to high-quality technical education is often limited. By offering AI education in Hindi, IIT Madras is not just translating content; it is fostering participation.

Overcoming Fear of AI

Many beginners feel apprehensive about AI, fearing they are too late or that the technology will replace their jobs. Balamurali Shankar, Chief Knowledge Officer at IIT Madras Pravartak, explained that the program's objective is to show that AI will work alongside humans. Pravartak, a non-profit organization established by IIT Madras, brings together perspectives from academia, industry, and startups to ensure that learning remains tied to real-world application.

This human-centric approach is reflected in the CHAI (Centre for Human-Centric AI) at IIT Madras Pravartak. In the courses, students are first introduced to the basic ideas of AI before moving on to tools, coding, and applications. As Bala explains, starting with complexity causes fear, so the process is gradual.

Application of AI in Various Fields

A unique feature of the program is the use of familiar real-world examples. For instance, cricket is used as an entry point to understanding data analysis through player statistics and match patterns. Accounting students study fraud detection and financial forecasting, while chemistry and physics students work with datasets to model systems. The courses are interactive and include Q&A sessions, quizzes, and forums, and are available on smartphones.

Participant Feedback

For many participants, the shift to Hindi means increased confidence, clarity, and inclusivity. Prabhakar Shetty, a doctoral researcher in chemistry from Mumbai, noted that the program helped him bridge the gap between himself and AI, which previously seemed like a distant field. He found that concepts such as Python and data processing became understandable and applicable to his research. Alok Devedi, a teacher from Varanasi, called the Hindi AI education an important step towards inclusivity because it allows focus on the concept rather than decoding terminology.

Some students noted that frequent switching between Hindi and English can sometimes disrupt comprehension, indicating a need to account for different learning styles. Ghodechor Dnyaneshwar Harischandra noted that learning AI in Hindi makes it more intuitive. Professor Amitabh Saxena highly praised the practical orientation of the program but pointed out the need for additional materials such as PDFs and presentations.

The overall conclusion is that with accessible AI education, it becomes a transformative tool, opening doors to participation in one of the most transformative technologies of our time.

business-standard.comJuly 2, 19:40

According to Nilkantha Mishra, AI is transforming the IT workforce in India, requiring reskilling

According to Nilkantha Mishra, a member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, the Information Technology (IT) industry in India will face significant workforce transformation due to Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, Mishra believes that concerns about mass job losses are premature.

Transformation and Sector Growth

Mishra suggested viewing the sector holistically, integrating traditional IT companies with Global Capability Centers (GCCs). He noted that India's service exports grew by 15 percent in dollar terms in April and were growing faster than the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Speaking to the media at an event organized by the AI Council of India in Mumbai, Mishra explained that the organizational barrier itself may change under the influence of AI, as some work previously outsourced to external IT firms is increasingly being done within companies.

Workforce Requirements

He acknowledged that AI poses serious challenges for the sector, especially regarding employee reskilling. Companies will need fewer specialists focused solely on coding and more workers possessing skills in areas such as design, user interface, and user experience.

Mishra added that most layoffs are currently observed in software companies because labor is their largest expense, and software development is becoming increasingly automated. However, he argued that reduced software development costs could lead to an increase in the volume of software created, citing the 'Jevons Paradox,' which states that cost reduction stimulates consumption growth.

Strategic Steps for AI Leadership

During a conversation with Sharad Sangi, founder and CEO of Neysa, Mishra discussed the opportunities and limitations for turning India into an AI leader. He emphasized that to achieve global leadership, India must prioritize creating a meritocratic research ecosystem and increasing venture capital while developing internal capabilities across the entire AI value chain.

In Mishra's view, the main obstacles for India remain talent and capital, with capital being the more pressing issue. Furthermore, the country should encourage experienced professionals of Indian origin working abroad to return home to establish technology companies and foster the emergence of deep tech startups through universities and research institutions. Mishra concluded that for India to lead in AI, it is important not just to consume AI, but to create products for both India and the world, provided that the intellectual property is owned and controlled from India.