These key points were prepared for discussion in the ‘Matrubhasha Mahakumbh’ organized in Bhubaneswar on the 20th and 21st February, 2025.
The successful digitalization of Odia requires a combination of technical advancements, AI-driven tools and strong policy support. By focusing on quality fonts, NLP technologies, content creation, and awareness, Odia can establish a strong presence in the digital world, preserving its linguistic and cultural heritage.
1. Standardization & Infrastructure Development:
a) Odia Unicode Standardization
– Ensuring proper implementation of Odia Unicode to maintain script accuracy.
– Addressing encoding issues in legacy fonts and text files.
– Enforcing Unicode compliance across government and private institutions.
b) High-Quality Odia Fonts
– Developing aesthetically rich and best quality standard Odia fonts.
– Ensuring compatibility with different operating systems, software, and web platforms.
c) Odia Keyboard & Input Tools
– Designing easy-to-use typing solutions (Phonetic, Inscript, Easy & Typewriter friendly).
– Integrating Odia input tools into major OS and web platforms for seamless usability.
2. Text Processing & Digitization:
a) OCR (Optical Character Recognition) for Odia
– Developing high-accuracy OCR tools to convert printed/ scanned Odia text into editable digital text.
– Handling different Odia typefaces and metal typeface.
– Integrating OCR into document management systems for easy archiving and retrieval.
b) Odia Spell Check Tools
– Creating Al-based automated tools for spell checking.
– Enhancing predictive text input systems functionality.
c) Document Digitization & Archival
– Preserving old Odia manuscripts, newspapers, and books in digital formats.
– Developing searchable, indexed digital libraries for easy access.
– Creating Al-assisted metadata tagging for Odia digital archives.
3. AI & NLP Integration:
a) Odia Text-to-Speech (TTS).
– Developing natural-sounding Odia speech and content creation.
– Supporting multiple voice profiles for diverse applications.
b) Odia Speech-to-Text (STT)
– Enabling automatic voice-to-text conversion for transcription and voice assistants.
– Improving accuracy through deep learning and large datasets.
c) Odia Machine Translation (MT)
– Building AI-powered translation tools between Odia and English language.
– Enhancing multilingual communication for governance, education, and media.
d) Virtual Assistants Chatbots
– Creating Odia-speaking AI assistants for tourism, and customer support.
– Implementing NLP-driven interactions for natural conversation experiences.
– Deploying Odia kiosks.
– Voice-enabled AI solutions in smart devices and kiosks.
4. Content Development & Localization:
a) Odia Digital Content Creation
– Encouraging more Odia-language websites, blogs, and educational content.
– Supporting content creators through funding and technical assistance.
b) Software & App Localization
– Adapting global software, mobile apps, and UI elements to Odia.
– Ensuring Odia language support in e-governance platforms and financial services.
5. Education & Awareness:
a) Government-Promoted Training Programs
– The government should promote training programs in all offices, schools, and colleges to enhance skills in Odia language usage.
– Providing structured training on using Odia fonts, tools, and technologies effectively.
– Making training programs mandatory for officials to ensure proficiency in digital Odia communication.
b) Certification Course for Odia Language Lettering & Drafting
– Introducing certification courses on Odia language lettering and drafting using high-quality Odia fonts, tools, and technologies.
– Ensuring government officials and professionals receive structured training on proper Odia digital practices.
– Making it mandatory for official members to use certified fonts and tools in all official communications and documents.
c) Digital Literacy Programs
– Teaching Odia typing and digital tools in schools and government offices.
– Promoting awareness about high-quality fonts and standardization.
– Conducting workshops on the importance of Odia digital adoption,
d) Open Source Contributions
– Encouraging community participation in open-source Odia NLP projects.
– Developing collaborative research projects with universities and tech companies.
6. Policy & Government Support:
– Implementing strict policies for Odia language usage in digital governance.
– Enforcing mandatory use of certified Odia fonts and tools by government officials for all official purposes.
– Funding for development of more quality fonts(approx. 3000) and all required tools.
– Funding research in Odia NLP, AT, and digital preservation.
– Providing grants for local startups and researchers working on Odia digital solutions.