Srinagar, Feb 13: Saqlain Yousuf, a 25-year-old developer from Naina, Pulwama, is making waves with his innovative AI model, Kashmiri GPT. His goal is to ensure Kashmir’s mother tongue remains relevant in the AI revolution.
Kashmiri GPT is more than just a translation tool. It accepts input in both Roman Kashmiri and English, making it accessible to younger generations while helping bridge the gap between them and older speakers. The platform also generates responses in three languages: Kashmiri script, Roman Kashmiri, and English.
“I noticed that AI models didn’t support Kashmiri properly. Our language is already vulnerable and at risk of disappearing. So, I took matters into my own hands and built Kashmiri GPT in five months, despite financial and technical challenges,” Saqlain said.
He launched a beta version to gauge public feedback, which has been overwhelmingly positive. “This technology can revolutionise access to information. People in Kashmir who aren’t tech-savvy or fluent in Urdu or English can use it to learn and gain knowledge,” he added. Saqlain, who is working independently without funding or a team, hopes to expand the project by adding voice recognition and visual processing. “If the administration provides support, I can make it even more user-friendly and impactful,” he said.
