JAMMU: Model Institute of Engineering and Technology (MIET), Jammu (Autonomous), successfully organized a Two-Day AICTE-Sponsored Seminar titled “Exploring Artificial Intelligence through Dogri: Opportunities for Language, Culture, and Local Development in Jammu & Kashmir” from October 31 to November 1, 2025.
The event was held under the Vibrant Advocacy for Advancement and Nurturing of Indian Languages (VAANI) scheme of AICTE and brought together distinguished academicians, researchers, and technologists to explore the intersection of AI and regional language empowerment with a special focus on Dogri.
The seminar featured six eminent speakers, including:
- Padma Shri Prof. Lalit Magotra
- Maj. Gen. (Retd.) S.K. Sharma
- Prof. Devanand
- Prof. Pawanesh Abrol, University of Jammu
- Nipun Padha, CEO, MoMagic
- Neha Sharma, Journalist, Duggar Malaati
Day 1 Highlights
In the welcome address, Maj. Gen. (Retd.) S.K. Sharma described the event as “a unique blend of technology and tradition.” He emphasized that AI-driven innovation must strengthen research and learning while preserving linguistic and cultural diversity. Reaffirming MIET’s commitment to promoting AI in regional languages, he termed Dogri “the foundation of Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural identity.”
The opening session was led by Padma Shri Prof. Lalit Magotra, who spoke on empowering Indian languages through modern technology. He highlighted the importance of integrating Dogri into digital platforms and using technology to preserve its linguistic richness.
This was followed by two sessions by Prof. Pawanesh Abrol, who delivered detailed talks on:
- “Foundations of Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Explained in Dogri”
- “Natural Language Processing and Speech Technology for Dogri”
Prof. Abrol simplified complex AI concepts in Dogri, making them accessible to participants. He stressed the need to build text corpora and open datasets to support research in NLP and speech technologies for regional languages.
The final session of Day 1 was conducted by Ms. Neha Sharma on “AI for Cultural Preservation: Digitizing and Promoting Dogri Heritage.” She discussed the use of AI to digitize folk literature, document oral traditions, and promote Dogri art and narratives globally.
Day 2 Highlights
Day 2 featured additional sessions focused on applications and future pathways:
- Neha Sharma continued with demonstrations on AI tools for digitizing Dogri literature and art.
- Maj. Gen. (Retd.) S.K. Sharma spoke on “Future Directions: Building a Dogri-Centric AI Ecosystem.”
- Prof. Devanand Padha discussed “Teaching and Learning AI in Dogri – Opportunities and Challenges,” emphasizing inclusive education.
- Nipun Padha presented “Industry Perspectives on AI Innovations and Start-Ups in J&K,” encouraging Dogri-enabled AI solutions and stronger industry–academia collaboration.
Participation & Outcome
Over 50 research scholars and M.Tech students from leading universities across the region took part in the seminar. The sessions helped participants map a future roadmap for leveraging AI to:
- Enhance Dogri preservation
- Improve translation and digitization
- Build Dogri-based conversational AI applications
The event concluded with a Valedictory Session, where speakers and participants reflected on the seminar’s achievements and discussed collaborative pathways for building a Dogri-centric AI ecosystem. Certificates were awarded to all participants, and the speakers were felicitated.
