Hanooman Takes on India’s AI Challenge: Expected rollout in March 2024

Forget ChatGPT, India’s AI ambitions soar with “Hanooman,” a powerful language model named after the mythical monkey god. This ambitious project, a collaboration between Reliance Industries Ltd. and eight leading universities, is more than just a desi ChatGPT clone. It aims to become a game-changer for India’s diverse population and position the country as a major AI player.

The project is estimated to cost $40 million and Hanooman is expected to be rolled out by March 2024. Reliance Jio platform, “Jio Brain” will utilize AI across its 450 million subscriber network.

Unveiled at a recent technology conference in Mumbai, Hanooman showcases multilingual prowess. Unlike its counterparts, it converses in 11 Indian languages, shattering language barriers for millions who don’t speak English.

“BharatGPT wants Hanooman to work in 11 local languages, focusing on healthcare, government, finance, and education,” explains Ganesh Ramakrishnan, chairman of the computer science department at IIT Bombay. “This is a game-changer for India’s diverse population.”

But Hanooman’s impact goes beyond language. Speech-to-text capabilities open doors for India’s illiterate population, estimated at millions. “Millions of people in India cannot read or write, and Hanooman will help them use computers,” says Ramakrishnan. This inclusivity is a defining feature, empowering even the most marginalized communities.

The project’s uniqueness lies in its structure. “It’s like the Indian joint family,” says Ramakrishnan, highlighting the collaborative spirit. This model brings together Reliance’s financial muscle, academic expertise of universities, and government support, creating a synergy rarely seen in the AI landscape.

Imagine doctors utilizing Hanooman for patient consultations in local languages, educators personalizing learning experiences, or financial institutions offering AI-powered services to remote areas. Additionally, Reliance plans to create customized models for specific needs, further expanding the potential impact.

Challenges remain. Training such models requires immense resources and data, potentially creating barriers for smaller players. Addressing bias and ensuring the ethical use of AI will also be crucial.

Despite these, Hanooman represents a pivotal moment. As Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries, declares, “This is a significant step towards making India a leader in the field of AI.” With its focus on accessibility, inclusivity, and collaboration, Hanooman could indeed be the key to unlocking India’s true AI potential and empowering its diverse population.

Meanwhile, India’s AI researchers, who constitute nearly 2% of the world’s total in 2024, are aiming to reach 20% by 2030.