Mehak Qayoom
In an inspiring initiative to protect the Kashmiri language, a young tech enthusiast has developed an AI-powered model to bridge the language gap.
Saqlain Yousuf, a 25-year-old from Naina, Pulwama, created Kashmiri GPT, an AI-based platform that enables users to communicate in Kashmiri.
“Large language models like ChatGPT and Claude have made communication easier in languages such as English, Hindi, Urdu, and Tamil. However, Kashmiri has been largely overlooked,” Saqlain explained. “With Kashmiri at risk, I wanted to develop a model that helps people read, write, and understand the language.”
Saqlain was inspired by a research paper revealing that only 33% of people in Kashmir can read and write in Kashmiri, a statistic that motivated him to take action.
“I left my job in Bengaluru to create something meaningful,” he shared.
Developing Kashmiri GPT posed several challenges. The biggest obstacle was the lack of support, as most language models do not accommodate Kashmiri. Additionally, Saqlain faced financial constraints, working without investors, a team, or external support.
“I built everything from scratch on my own,” he said.
To make the model more inclusive, Saqlain introduced Roman Kashmiri (Gen Z Kashmiri) for users unfamiliar with the traditional script. This feature also aids tourists by allowing them to input prompts in Hindi.
“Many people in Kashmir speak only Kashmiri and are not fluent in English or Urdu. Now, they can input queries and receive answers in their native language,” he explained.
Despite his groundbreaking work, Saqlain’s website faced cyberattacks. However, he turned this setback into a lesson.
“If they have the skills to hack, they also have the potential to build something meaningful. I just hope they use their knowledge for good,” he reflected.
Saqlain believes that unemployment in Kashmir is partly due to an overemphasis on government jobs, despite limited opportunities.
“People need to develop skills alongside their degrees. We often prioritize degrees over skills, but it’s skills that create opportunities. Building a strong skill set makes your time valuable,” he noted.
Despite the challenges, Saqlain remains undeterred. He envisions expanding Kashmiri GPT into a comprehensive application with voice and vision integration.
“No one believed in me until I succeeded, but I kept going. If any tech enthusiast or investor wants to support this initiative, I am committed to taking it to the next level,” he said.
“In the digital age, we have the power to preserve our voice and our language. Technology is not just a communication tool—it’s a means of cultural preservation.”
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