CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Under the aegis of the National Language Technology Mission (NLTM), the Bhasha Bandhu Hackathon has emerged as a beacon of innovation and inclusivity, addressing India’s linguistic challenges in its legal framework. Hosted at the Global Skills Park Auditorium in Bhopal, this transformative event marked a significant milestone in leveraging AI-driven solutions to make justice accessible to all, irrespective of language or location.

A Collaborative Vision Launched by Bhashini in collaboration with Microsoft, presented by ID8NXT, and powered by ID8DEVHUB, the hackathon embodies a collective commitment to inclusivity through technological advancements. It aims to dismantle language barriers in India’s judiciary, creating a future where justice is not only delayed but also made seamless through AI and natural language processing (NLP).

The event followed a two-phase launch—an online soft launch on January 23, 2025, which drew over 1,347 viewers, and an in-person physical launch on January 24, 2025, with over 500 registered participants. From technologists and legal experts to policymakers and academic innovators, the hackathon united a vibrant community driven by the shared mission of transforming India’s judicial landscape.

Powerful Opening Addresses

Shri Amitabh Nag, CEO of the Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD), delivered an inspiring keynote at the soft launch, emphasizing the pressing need to bridge language barriers in legal systems.

“Justice should be universal, transcending linguistic and regional divides. The Bhasha Bandhu Hackathon provides a platform for innovation that will redefine accessibility and inclusivity in our judiciary,” said Shri Amitabh Nag.

Anand Raman, Partner Director for Microsoft AI Platforms, echoed this sentiment, urging participants to focus on user-centric solutions:

“Build with empathy, simplicity, and scalability in mind. Let your solutions be the bridge between citizens and justice,” he said, highlighting Microsoft’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge AI to serve diverse linguistic communities.

Key Highlights

Inaugural Lamp-Lighting Ceremony The physical launch began with a ceremonial lamp-lighting by dignitaries, symbolizing hope and enlightenment. This was followed by a group photograph capturing the unity and enthusiasm that would define the event’s spirit.

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