Meet Dewi: Your AI Guide to India
The Embassy of India in Jakarta has introduced 'Dewi', an artificial intelligence-powered avatar, to serve as a new digital point of contact for public outreach. This virtual guide is designed to make information about India more accessible, engaging,
and relevant to audiences in Indonesia. Announced by Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty, Dewi will communicate through the embassy's social media platforms to deliver updates and answer queries. The launch marks a significant step in using emerging technologies to enhance diplomatic communication, moving beyond conventional methods to connect with both the Indian diaspora and Indonesian citizens interested in India.
What Can Dewi Help You With?
Dewi's role is to be a comprehensive source of information, streamlining access to a wide range of topics. The avatar will provide details on Indian culture, travel destinations, and educational opportunities, including scholarships for Indonesian students. Furthermore, she will offer updates on business and investment prospects in India, catering to professionals and entrepreneurs looking to engage with the Indian market. Dewi will also disseminate important consular information, which is particularly useful for the approximately 130,000 Persons of Indian Origin and 15,000 Non-Resident Indians living in Indonesia. The goal is to bring stories and updates from the India-Indonesia partnership directly to the people.
The Significance of a Name
The choice of the name 'Dewi' is deeply symbolic and highlights the shared cultural fabric between India and Indonesia. 'Dewi' is a common name in Indonesia that means 'goddess', a word derived directly from the Sanskrit 'Devi'. This linguistic link is a testament to the centuries of cultural and linguistic influence Sanskrit has had in the region. The embassy timed the launch to coincide with the auspicious Hindu festivals of Navaratri and Durga Puja, further reinforcing this cultural connection. By selecting a name that resonates strongly in both countries, the initiative cleverly embeds a modern technological tool within a context of shared heritage and mutual respect.
A New Chapter in Digital Diplomacy
The launch of Dewi is part of a broader push by India to integrate technology into its foreign policy and public service delivery. This initiative is driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for leveraging AI to improve governance. India has been actively promoting itself as a leader in digital public infrastructure and human-centric AI on the global stage, particularly through forums like the G20 and the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence. By deploying tools like Dewi, the Ministry of External Affairs is demonstrating a practical application of its digital diplomacy strategy. This involves using technology not just for communication, but as a way to project India's soft power and build stronger, more accessible international relationships.
Strengthening India-Indonesia Relations
Deploying this advanced tool in Jakarta underscores the importance India places on its relationship with Indonesia. Under the 'Act East' policy, bilateral ties have grown rapidly across political, commercial, and cultural domains. Dewi is intended to support this partnership by fostering greater understanding and connection. By making information about India more readily available, the embassy aims to encourage more travel, academic exchange, and business collaboration. For the large Indian community in Indonesia, Dewi serves as a modern, accessible link to the embassy's services. Ultimately, the avatar represents a forward-looking investment in the long-term friendship and strategic partnership between the two nations.
