India AI Impact Summit: India must move ‘beyond English’ to lead in AI, says Sarvam co-founder Pratyush Kumar

At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Pratyush Kumar, co-founder of Sarvam AI, stressed the importance of developing artificial intelligence systems that cater to India's rich tapestry of languages and cultural diversity. He argued that the current global standards in AI do not adequately reflect the unique needs of the Indian population, particularly its rural communities. Kumar pointed out that the experiences of individuals in rural Maharashtra can vastly differ from those in urban areas of Western Europe. This disparity highlights the gaps in cultural understanding that standard benchmarks tend to overlook. He emphasized that for AI to truly resonate with users across the country, it must be designed to be contextually relevant and inclusive. "There is a pressing need to create benchmarks that encapsulate the subjective experiences of users, which include personal elements such as language and context," Kumar remarked. He further noted that accessibility is key to ensuring fairness and widespread adoption of AI technologies in India. Kumar expressed a vision where AI is democratized, stating, "The most equitable approach is to make AI available to all without excessive barriers." As India strives to establish itself as a leader in the global AI landscape, supported by government initiatives and increasing private sector investments, Sarvam AI is at the forefront. The company has recently introduced a range of products tailored to local needs, including Sarvam Vision, Bulbul V3, and Sarvam Arya, all designed to address India's linguistic and cultural nuances.