Distance learning platform leader Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on Project Udaan, an AI-driven translation platform to promote inclusive and equitable education.
Udaan integrates optical character recognition (OCR), layout preservation, domain-specific glossaries, and human-in-the-loop editing to deliver high-fidelity translation of academic and technical content into Indian languages. Through this collaboration, IGNOU aims to make its extensive educational resources available in multiple regional languages, thereby expanding access for learners across the country, a statement read.
The collaboration supports the goals outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly the emphasis on multilingual education, digital access, and academic equity, the statement added.
The signing ceremony, held on Friday at the IGNOU Headquarters, was chaired by the Vice Chancellor of IGNOU. The event was also attended by senior academic leadership.
Prof. Ganesh Ramakrishnan, the chair professor in Digital Entrepreneurship at the Bank of Baroda and principal investigator of Udaan, represented IIT Bombay at the event.
“This partnership with IIT Bombay is a powerful alignment with our vision to democratize higher education. Through Project Udaan, we aim to bridge the language divide and empower learners in every corner of India,” the V-C of IGNOU said.
Prof. Ramakrishnan said, “Udaan is designed to serve the linguistic and educational diversity of India. This MoU marks a critical step in translating that vision into impact at scale, with IGNOU’s vast learner base.”
Story continues below this ad
Prof. Nayantara Padhi, a professor at the School of Management Studies and MoU coordinator from IGNOU, said, “This collaboration reflects IGNOU’s commitment to educational equity and innovation.”
“By integrating AI-enabled translation tools with our academic delivery, we are opening new doors for learners in regional and rural contexts who will now have access to high-quality content in their own languages,” she added.
“It also contributes to national missions like Digital India and Bharat Bhasha, strengthening India’s position in culturally grounded and inclusive AI research,” the notification read.
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
