Inspired by a challenge to create a large language model (LLM) in India with only$10 million, Swecha, a movement committed to providing free, quality software across India, is on the verge of launching a chatbot created to tell Chandamama stories in Telugu language. 

Chandamama stories are mythological/magical stories for children appearing in the classical Chandamama magazine, which began in 1947. The stories originate in the Telugu region, and its writers, Chakrapani and Nagi, feature among the country's most notable film producers. 

Moreso, Swecha, which means Freedom in Telugu, constitutes a larger project aimed at localising GNU/Linux and other open-source software to Telugu to bridge the digital divide imposed due to the language barrier. The ChatGPT-like model will enable Telugu speakers, including those considered illiterate, to access content similar to those who speak English in the urban areas of India. 

Why does it matter?

In addition to closing the digital divide globally and within India, the Swecha project is expected to aid in developing new-age skills like prompt engineering. It will also allow for the preservation and promulgation of Telugu cultural traditions through storytelling.