Government launches Hindi software

Hindi went high-tech on Wednesday with the government launching a chip version of a Hindi translation software on mobile phones and the internet.

The MANTRA (Machine assisted Translation Tool) software, which would help translate government documents from English to Hindi, as well as LILA (Learn Indian Languages through Artificial Intelligence) software for learning Hindi on the internet and mobile hand phones was launched at the annual 'Hindi Divas' ceremony at Vigyan Bhavan.

Unveiling the software, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil lauded the effort of the Department of Official Languages, Ministry of Home Affairs, who have developed the chips for easy, effective and fast translation of administrative documents and taking virtual steps to popularise Hindi among the masses.

The LILA series, already available on the web for learning Hindi via media of English, Tamil, Kannada and Telugu would now be available in Bengali, department officials said.

The software, now available in the form of multi-media card on cellular phones, promises to make Hindi learning more high-tech and easy, Patil said.

Mother's Milk

"The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of god Is the heart of a mother"


Realising the significance of a mother's milk for an infant, a Hospital in Mumbai has set up a "Breast Milk Bank". It provides the much-needed alternative to many women who are not in a position to lactate, or to secrete milk.

Due to various physical conditions or circumstances a mother may not be able to provide her child with the all-important nutrient resulting in the baby's under development and ill health. Considering such desperate situations, the neo-natology department of the Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital in Mumbai started this Milk bank.

Established in 1989, the Mother's Milk Centre was deveoped with the basic idea of providing human milk to babies so as to ensure their healthy development through the early stages.Recipients at the bank usually include premature babies, abandoned babies and babies admitted at the hospitals with various ailments, including babies whose mothers are unwell and unable to feed them.

At least 25 babies receive breast milk from the bank everyday.