Saarthi, a New Reference App From ONDC, Will Help Companies Build Multilingual Buyer Apps

Nitin Konde, Apoorva Bajj

Sep 13, 2024 — 3 min read

Saarthi, a New Reference App From ONDC, Will Help Companies Build Multilingual Buyer Apps

Saarthi is a reference application that was developed by the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to assist businesses in the process of developing their buyer-side applications that are highly customized.

The artificial intelligence-driven language translation tool known as Saarthi was developed in collaboration with Bhashini. In addition to providing members in the network with a comprehensive architecture that enables smooth integration with ONDC, it also delivers expanded multilingual capabilities for a digital commerce experience that is more accessible.

Developing Software That Supports Multiple Languages

Saarthi is a reference tool that assists network members in the process of developing buyer applications that have multilingual capabilities. The programme initially supports five languages, including Hindi, English, Marathi, Bangla, and Tamil.

According to Bhashini's objectives, the application will eventually be able to support all 22 languages. Consequently, this means that businesses are able to provide customers with a buying experience that is both personalised and localised, removing barriers related to language and increasing accessibility for people all throughout India.

What is Bhashini?

The objective of the "Digital India BHASHINI" initiative is to facilitate the creation of content in Indian languages, as well as to enable easy access to the internet and digital services in Indian languages, including access obtained through speech. It was put into operation at Gandhinagar, Gujarat, during the month of August 2022. Bhasha Interface for India is what Bashini is an abbreviation for.

In order to provide digital access and digital empowerment in an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, it makes use of natural language technologies to enable a diversified ecosystem filled with contributors, collaborating entities, and citizens. This is done with the intention of overcoming language barriers.

Features of Saarthi

Saarthi's multilingual features, which include real-time translation, transliteration, and speech recognition, make it possible for enterprises to broaden their market reach. This, in turn, enables them to enter new regions and improve the number of customers they acquire.

It is important to note that the user-friendly and region-specific experience can also result in increased conversion rates and decreased support costs, which in turn can streamline operations and increase income.

In addition to this, the Saarthi application was developed with the goal of achieving scalability and simplicity of integration.

Views of the Partners

According to T Koshy, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ONDC, the introduction of Saarthi is a significant step forward in their journey towards a digital commerce landscape that is more inclusive. Through the provision of a reference application that enables businesses to develop buyer applications in several languages, the team is succeeding in removing obstacles caused by language and opening up new opportunities for engagement and expansion. The ONDC is committed to democratising access to eCommerce, and this programme coincides with that goal. It ensures that businesses of all sizes can engage with customers throughout India's varied linguistic spectrum.

The fact that Bhashini is working with ONDC on Saarthi, according to Amitabh Nag, the Bhashini's Chief Executive Officer, demonstrates the company's commitment to addressing linguistic barriers in the realm of digital commerce. The objective of Bhashini is to accomplish the goal of making multilingual voice communication a universal medium, thereby breaking down language barriers in a variety of sectors beyond text and graphics. This cutting-edge language technology was developed by the company with the intention of enabling businesses to develop applications that accurately reflect the vast linguistic diversity that exists in India. By working together, the company is not only increasing the accessibility of online shopping but also establishing a new benchmark for inclusiveness in the digital marketplace.