A SYMPOSIUM ON BHASHINI TECHNOLOGIES FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Date [November 28, 2025], Venue : [ Punjabi University , Patiala ]
About The Event
Step into a day of innovation and inclusion.
Background
This symposium unites AI researchers, language technologists, accessibility experts, and educators to showcase how Bhashini and AI-driven tools are redefining independence for the visually impaired. From speech and text technologies to real-world assistive solutions, the event highlights how language and intelligence can empower every individual to experience the world without barriers.
About Us
The Symposium on Bhashini Technologies for Visually Impaired is a one-day event exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and language technologies are transforming accessibility and inclusion. Jointly organized by Punjabi University Patiala (RCTDPLC), IIIT Hyderabad, and Navchetna – A Charitable Institute for the Blind, the event connects innovation with social impact.
The symposium will feature expert talks and live demonstrations on speech and language processing, OCR, text-to-speech, Braille translation, and AI-powered assistive tools. A key highlight is Bhashini, India’s National Language Translation Mission initiative, empowering visually impaired users through multilingual speech and text technologies.
Together, we aim to build a more inclusive digital future—where technology empowers every individual, equally.
Keynote Speakers
Shri. Amitabh Nag
CEO , DIgital India Bhashini
Prof. C.V. Jawahar
IIIT Hyderabad
Dr. Rajender Singh Negi
NIEPVD , DehradunPresidential Address
Dr. Jagdeep Singh
Vice Chancellor , PUP Applications
Drishti-Library
Drishti-Braille
Gurumukhi OCR App
Turning Every Book into a Voice -Drishti-Library converts scanned pages and printed books into
clean Unicode text using Bhashini’s state-of-the-art OCR. It then generates natural, human-like audio in multiple Indian
languages using Bhashini’s neural TTS system.
Ideal for education, self-learning, and digital libraries.
From Pixels to Touch -Drishti-Braille transforms scanned documents and images into Grade-1 Braille for 12 Indian languages using AI-driven OCR. Outputs are compatible with Braille displays and embossers, enabling tactile reading of textbooks, government forms, and literature.
Using Mobile OCR Technology to read the text from images in Indian Punjabi.
Program Schedule , Venue : Senate Hall , Punjabi University
| Time | Program | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM | HIGH TEA | |
| 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM | Welcome Address | Dr. Dharam Veer Sharma Director, RCTDPLC |
| 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM | Keynote 1 | Shri. Amitabh Nag CEO, DIBD |
| 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Expert Talk - 1 | Prof. C.V.Jawahar IIIT Hyderabad |
| 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Expert Talk - 2 | Dr.Rajendra Singh NegiNIEPVD , Dehradun |
| 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM | Flagship Applications | Prof. Gurupreet Singh Lehal |
| 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM | Presidential Address | Dr. Jagdeep Singh Vice Chancellor , PUP |
| 13:00 PM - 14:00 PM | LUNCH BREAK | |
| 14:15 PM - 14:30 PM | Talk | Maheshinder Singh Khosla Associated with Navchetna : A Charitable Institute for the Blind, Patiala |
| 14:30 PM - 16:30 PM | Software Demonstrations | |
| 14:30 PM - 14:50 PM | Drishti Sabha | Radha KrishnaIIIT Hyderabad |
| 14:50 PM - 15:15 PM | Unlocking Digital Freedom: A Practical Guide to Zendalona's Accessible Ecosystem | Nalin SathyanZendalona |
| 15:15 PM - 15:35 PM | Talk title: Text-to-Speech for Indian Languages | Keshav AgarwalSMT Lab , IIT Madras |
| 15:35 PM - 15:55 PM | Talk : Speech-based Examination System for Visually Impaired People | Kamal KantCDAC Mumbai |
| 15:55 PM - 16:15 PM | AAVAZ : Breaking Barriers Enabling Voices- Real time synthetic speech generation based on speaker lip movement. | Souvik GhoshIIIT Hyderabad |
| 16:30 PM | Vote of Thanks | Dr. Balraj Singh SainiDean College Development Council |
Demonstrators
Zendalona - A not-for-profit organization providing free and open-source accessibility solutions for the visually challenged.
Text-to-Speech for Indian Languages - Indian-language text-to-speech research at IIT Madras under the Bhashini initiative, with a focus on natural prosody and clear, expressive speech. It demonstrates how these advances help make digital content more accessible for visually impaired users through audiobooks, reading assistance, and everyday information access.
Speech-based Examination System for Visually Impaired People.
- Drishti Sabha - Voice to Democracy — Powered by Bhashini Drishti-Sabha is India’s first voice-enabled, multilingual question-answering system for Punjab Vidhan Sabha debates.Using OCR, ASR, and TTS, the platform digitizes and makes searchable eight decades of legislative proceedings. Visually challenged users can ask questions aloud and listen to synthesized answers, accessing democratic knowledge like never before.
- AAVAZ - Breaking Barriers Enabling Voices- Real time synthetic speech generation based on speaker lip movement.
Event Venue
Location
Punjabi University , Patiala
Gallery
Hosted by:
Research Centre for Technical Development of Punjabi Language, Literature and Culture
Partner with
Contact
Email Us: ocr.nltm@research.iiit.ac.in
ocr.nltm@research.iiit.ac.in