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BharatGen Programme

Posted 14 Nov 2024

Updated 18 Nov 2024

4 min read

Why in the News?

Ministry of Science and Technology launched BharatGen, a pioneering initiative in generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

About BharatGen Programme

This image displays the four key features of BharatGen: its multilingual and multimodal model capabilities, training based on Bhartiya datasets, open-source nature of the platform, and its generative AI research ecosystem.
  • BharatGen is a Multimodal Large Language Model (LLM) project focused on creating Generative AI systems that can generate high-quality text and multimodal content (audio and imagery) in various Indian languages.
  • Aim and Purpose
    • To revolutionize public service delivery and boost citizen engagement through AI.
    • Position India as a leader in the generative AI space.
    • Crafting a path tailored to India’s diverse linguistic, cultural, & societal fabric.
    • Pushing AI technology boundaries & ensuring relevance to India’s context & use cases.
  • Implementing Agency: TIH Foundation for IOT and IOE (a Section-8 company (not-for-profit) by IIT Bombay) under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS).
  • Timeline: Project is expected to be completed in two years (July 2026).
  • Bharat Data Sagar: A core part of BharatGen, it aims at establishing a vast repository of India-centric data that ensures the AI models are deeply rooted in the country’s unique context.
This image details the Strategic Research Pillars of BharatGen. The six main pillars and their objectives are Data & Model Innovation pillar which focuses on enhancing data efficiency and model performance , Advanced Capabilities & Applications which aims to extend AI capabilities for broader societal impact, Interactivity & User Experience which emphasizes personalizing AI interactions with explainability and transparency,  Ethical AI & Privacy which commits to upholding ethical standards and user privacy through decentralized training and bias detection, Integration & Future Technologies that focuses on merging AI with emerging technologies like IoT and AR/VR and Evaluation & Benchmarking which establishes robust frameworks to measure progress and guide future research.

National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS)

  • About: A comprehensive mission approved in 2018 for a period of five years
  • Aim: Complete convergence with all stakeholders- academia, industry, Government and International Organizations.
    • Development of technology platforms to carry out R&D, Translational Research, Product Development etc.
    • To promote translational research in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) and associated technologies 
    • To set up world-class interdisciplinary centers of excellence in several academic institutions.
  • Implementing Agency: Department of Science & Technology (DST).
  • Under the NM-ICPS, 25 Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs) have been established in reputed institutes across the country with each hub being assigned a Technology Vertical in the areas of advanced technologies like AI, ML, robotics, cyber security etc. 

About Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) 

  • Generative AI: Generative AI is AI that can create original content—such as text, images, video, audio or software code—in response to a user’s prompt or request.
    • Generative AI tools are built on underlying AI models, such as a Large Language Model (LLM), which is the foundation for text-based generative AI tools like ChatGPT. 
    • Generative AI relies on deep learning models - algorithms that simulate the learning and decision-making processes of the human brain. 
  • LLMs: LLMs are a category of foundation models (large AI models) capable of understanding and generating natural language and other types of content to perform a wide range of tasks.
    • LLMs work by learning patterns from vast amounts of data and becoming capable of recognizing and interpreting human language.
    • LLMs are typically based on a type of neural network called transformer architecture andconsist of multiple layers of neural networks and self-attention mechanisms that enable them to learn patterns.

Comparison Between Traditional AI and Generative AI

Features

Traditional AI

Generative AI

Key Focus

Analyzes data, performs specific tasks and automate decision making.

Creates new data (text, images, music etc.)

Learning Approach

Explicit rules and algorithms 

Data-driven learning (Neural Networks)

Output

Structured outputs such as predictions, solutions or classifications

Entirely new content or creative outputs

Adaptability

Require manual intervention and reprogramming

Automatically adjust and improve its performance over time

Analogy

Master chef following a recipe

Innovative chef creating new dishes

Applications

Accuracy, Efficiency, Reasoning

Creativity, Content Generation

Significance of BharatGen Programme

  • Government Backing: This initiative marks the world's first government-funded Multimodal Large Language Model (LLM) project focused on creating efficient and inclusive AI in Indian languages.
  • AI as public good: BharatGen will deliver generative AI models and their applications as a public good by prioritizing India's socio-cultural and linguistic diversity.
  • Inclusive AI: It strives to address India’s broader needs such as social equity, cultural preservation, and linguistic diversity, while ensuring that generative AI reaches all segments of society.
  • Aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat: By creating foundational AI models, BharatGen aims to reduce reliance on foreign technologies and strengthen the domestic AI ecosystem.

Other initiatives to promote AI development in India

  • IndiaAI Mission: A comprehensive national-level program to democratize and catalyze the AI innovation ecosystem.
  • National AI Portal (INDIAai): A joint venture by MeitY, National e-Governance Division (NeGD) and NASSCOM. 
  • AI Research Analytics and Knowledge Dissemination Platform (AIRAWAT): for providing a common compute platform for AI research and knowledge assimilation.
  • Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI): An international initiative to guide the responsible development and use of AI. 
    • India is a founding member.
  • National AI Skilling Program: Enhancing AI skills through customized training modules with industry leaders.
  • Tags :
  • Generative AI
  • Cyber Physical System
  • Large Language Model
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