CM announces AI initiative to digitise Marathi literature

Pune: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday instructed the state's Marathi language department to develop a small language model using artificial intelligence (AI) to make its literature accessible online. He was speaking at the inauguration of the third Vishwa Marathi Sammelan in Pune.The meet, organised by the state govt on Fergusson College ground, will go on till Sunday. This is the first event after Marathi was granted the status of a classical language. Both deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and minister of Marathi language department Uday Samant, were present."AI is a dominating factor in today's world. Instead of disowning it, we should make the most of it. If we develop a small language model and make all Marathi literature available online, future generations will be able to access our rich literature using AI tools," Fadnavis said.He lauded freedom fighter VD Savarkar's contribution to the language. "Any discussions on Marathi language will be incomplete without mentioning Savarkar. He gave it a treasure of new words," Fadnavis said, adding that debates during such festivals will enrich culture.Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde spoke about the need to use Marathi more effectively to obtain knowledge. "Marathi is now global. Efforts should be made to make it a language to gain knowledge in the education system. While AI is the future, acquiring knowledge about technology in the mother tongue will help future generations," he said.Ajit Pawar said that the organisers must hold at least one Vishwa Marathi Sammelan edition in a foreign country. He added that govt will provide assistance to Marathi schools in Karnataka and Delhi to promote the language in other states. Pune: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday instructed the state's Marathi language department to develop a small language model using artificial intelligence (AI) to make its literature accessible online. He was speaking at the inauguration of the third Vishwa Marathi Sammelan in Pune.The meet, organised by the state govt on Fergusson College ground, will go on till Sunday. This is the first event after Marathi was granted the status of a classical language. Both deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and minister of Marathi language department Uday Samant, were present."AI is a dominating factor in today's world. Instead of disowning it, we should make the most of it. If we develop a small language model and make all Marathi literature available online, future generations will be able to access our rich literature using AI tools," Fadnavis said.He lauded freedom fighter VD Savarkar's contribution to the language. "Any discussions on Marathi language will be incomplete without mentioning Savarkar. He gave it a treasure of new words," Fadnavis said, adding that debates during such festivals will enrich culture.Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde spoke about the need to use Marathi more effectively to obtain knowledge. "Marathi is now global. Efforts should be made to make it a language to gain knowledge in the education system. While AI is the future, acquiring knowledge about technology in the mother tongue will help future generations," he said.Ajit Pawar said that the organisers must hold at least one Vishwa Marathi Sammelan edition in a foreign country. He added that govt will provide assistance to Marathi schools in Karnataka and Delhi to promote the language in other states.