Kanpur, 16 February 2025: The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, in collaboration with Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, Ministry of Education, Government of India, successfully hosted the Bharatiya Bhasha Parivar Symposium, a two-day event that brought together scholars, researchers, and professionals from across the country. The symposium aimed to foster interdisciplinary discussions on Indian languages and their role in human and machine cognition, bridging the fields of linguistics, psycholinguistics, computational sciences, education, and neuropsychology.

The event was inaugurated by Prof. Braj Bhushan, Deputy Director, IIT Kanpur, alongside Prof. R. C. Sharma (Retd., University of Delhi) and Prof. Devpriya Kumar, Head, Department of Cognitive Science, IIT Kanpur. The symposium was coordinated by Prof. Ark Verma and Prof. Himanshu Yadav, from IIT Kanpur.

Titled “Bharatiya Bhasha Parivar: Understanding Human & Machine Cognition Through Indian Languages”, the symposium provided a unique platform for experts to explore the complexities of Indian languages, their cognitive processing, and their significance in artificial intelligence and education. The discussions aligned with the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, outlining future research directions and policy considerations regarding Indian languages, while also addressing challenges faced by Indian language speakers in India and across the global diaspora.

The symposium featured insightful sessions led by distinguished experts, focusing on linguistic theory, language evolution, cognitive aspects of Indian languages, the role of psycholinguistics in language processing and acquisition, challenges and advancements in NLP, Artificial Intelligence, and Large Language Models for Indian languages, pedagogical approaches, education policies, and their implications for Indian languages. Discussions also addressed language disorders such as aphasia and specific language impairment, exploring possible therapeutic approaches in Indian languages.

Eminent speakers included Prof. R. C. Sharma (Retd., University of Delhi), Prof. Ramesh Mishra (Hyderabad Central University), Prof. Dipti Misra Sharma (IIIT Hyderabad), Prof. Arnab Bhattacharya (IIT Kanpur), and Prof. Prathibha Karanth (IIT Kanpur), who shared their research and insights on how Indian languages influence cognition, education, and machine learning. Their discussions delved the integration of Indian languages into AI and NLP models, the impact of language policies on education, and the need for robust research collaborations.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Prof. Ark Verma stated, "The symposium has been an essential step in furthering research on Indian languages. The discussions and collaborations that have come out of this event will be crucial in incorporating Indian languages into advanced AI and cognitive science research. We are thrilled by the future possibilities this event has initiated."

The symposium generated meaningful discussions expected to pave the way for innovative research initiatives and technological advancements in language processing. With an increasing focus on linguistic diversity and its role in technological development, IIT Kanpur is proud to have facilitated a landmark event contributing significantly to the future of Indian language research and its applications in both human and machine cognition.

About IIT Kanpur:

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, holds the distinction of being recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India through an Act of Parliament. Renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, IIT Kanpur has made significant contributions to research and development over the decades. Its expansive, lush green campus spans 1,050 acres and hosts a rich array of academic and research resources. The institute comprises 19 departments, 26 centers, three interdisciplinary programs, and two specialized schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines. With over 590 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur continues to be a leader in fostering innovation and academic rigor.

For more information, visit www.iitk.ac.in.