Ecommerce company Snapdeal has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Digital India Bhashini, an independent division under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) within Digital India Corporation (DIC). This agreement aims to develop services and products that improve language translation efforts, promoting digital inclusion across India.
Focused on Leveraging AI
The partnership between Snapdeal and Bhashini is centered on using artificial intelligence (AI) to create innovative solutions for over nine regional languages. Himanshu Chakrawarti, CEO of Snapdeal, stated, “The collaboration focuses on Snapdeal’s commitment to advancing digital inclusivity in India. We look forward to combining Bhashini’s deep expertise in language solutions with Snapdeal’s robust e-commerce platform to empower individuals across diverse linguistic backgrounds. This initiative aligns seamlessly with our mission to enhance accessibility and affordability in online shopping, particularly in Tier 3 cities and beyond.”
Catering to Diverse Linguistic Landscape
The collaboration is set to develop products and services that address India’s diverse linguistic landscape, ensuring digital services are accessible to all. Amitabh Nag, CEO of Bhashini, commented, “Our partnership with Snapdeal marks a milestone in our mission to promote linguistic diversity and digital accessibility. Through the use of AI and voice-first technology, we are determined to break down barriers, build greater digital participation, and create a more connected and inclusive digital ecosystem for all Indians.”
Role of AI and Voice-First Technology
AI and voice-first technology play a central role in this initiative. These technologies will be used to develop solutions that not only translate languages but also enhance user engagement by making digital interactions more intuitive and accessible. Amitabh Nag added, “Through innovative use of AI and voice-first technology, we are determined to break down barriers, build greater digital participation, and create a more connected and inclusive digital ecosystem for all Indians.”
This partnership between Snapdeal and Digital India Bhashini signifies a major step towards enhancing digital inclusivity in India. By leveraging AI and voice-first technology, the collaboration aims to make digital services more accessible and user-friendly for people across diverse linguistic backgrounds. This initiative will help bridge the digital divide and empower more individuals, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, to participate in the digital economy.
