top of page

By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

AI’s Maharaja smiles joyfully

All 30 grounded aircrafts now fly Mumbai : Air India’s Maharaja is all pleased as punch at 80. After years of huge costs and efforts, the last of the grounded 30 aircraft – inherited by the Tata Group during the privatization in Jan. 2022 – is now resurrected fully and took to the skies gracefully on Monday.   The aircraft is the gleaming VT-ALL, a Boeing 777-300ER, that was gathering grime since February 2020, and becomes the final among the two-and-half dozen aircraft that have been revved...

AI’s Maharaja smiles joyfully

All 30 grounded aircrafts now fly Mumbai : Air India’s Maharaja is all pleased as punch at 80. After years of huge costs and efforts, the last of the grounded 30 aircraft – inherited by the Tata Group during the privatization in Jan. 2022 – is now resurrected fully and took to the skies gracefully on Monday.   The aircraft is the gleaming VT-ALL, a Boeing 777-300ER, that was gathering grime since February 2020, and becomes the final among the two-and-half dozen aircraft that have been revved up and revived in the past few years, AI official sources said.   It marked a symbolic milestone for Air India itself - founded in 1932 by the legendary Bharat Ratna J. R. R. Tata - which once ruled the roost and was India’s pride in the global skies.   Once renowned for its royal service with the iconic Maharaja welcoming fliers on board, in 1953 it was taken over by the government of India. After years of piling losses, ageing aircraft, decline in operations and standards – almost like a Maharaja turning a pauper - it returned to the Tata Group four years ago.   This time it was not just the aircraft, the brand and the deflated Maharaja coming into the large-hearted Tata Group stables, but a formidable challenge to ensure that the airline could regain its old glory and glitter. Of the total around 190 aircraft in its fleet were 30 – or 15 pc – that had been grounded and neglected for years.   At that time, the late Ratan N. Tata had directed that all these valuable aircraft must be revived as far as possible and join the fleet. Accordingly, the VT-ALL, languishing at Nagpur for nearly five years, was ‘hospitalized’ at the Air India Engineering Service Ltd., its MRO facility in May 2025.   New Avatar Then started a thorough, painstaking nose-to-tail restoration of an unprecedented scale, in which over 3000 critical components were replaced, over 4,000 maintenance tasks executed, besides key structural upgrades like the longeron modification, engines, auxiliary power units, avionics, hydraulics, landing gears and almost every vital system was rebuilt or replaced.   After the repairs, the old aircraft was reborn, under the gaze of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and technical assistance from Boeing, and the new ‘avatar’ jetliner emerged with the highest global safety standards.   The aircraft cleared all the rigorous checks, a successful test flight, earned the mandatory Airworthiness Review Certificate and then made its maiden commercial flight from Monday, March 16 – after a wait of six years.   Sturdy Fliers Created in 1946 to become an instant global icon, the Air India’s mascot Maharaja now sports a youthful and chic look, a welcome with folded hands, closed eyes, featuring a bejewelled turban, stylish jootis, and a textured kurta in Air India’s new colours. He is prominently visible at various touch-points in a flyer’s journey, such as First Class, exclusive lounges, and luxury products.   Today, he commands a mix fleet of around 190 narrow and wide-body Airbus and Boeing aircraft like : A319, A320, A320neo, A321, A321neo, A350-900 and B787-8, B787-9, B7770200LR, B-777-300ER. With the merger of Vistara and agreements signed for 10 A350 and 90 A320 aircraft, the Maharaja’s fleet is slated to soar to some 570 in the near future.

AI Meets Language Learning: A New Era in Education

AI is no longer merely assisting in language learning; it’s transforming how we speak, write, and connect.

I speak three languages, write in two, and dream in one. – Kamla Das (Indian English poet)


In a world where language is deeply tied to identity, thought, and expression, artificial intelligence is playing a pivotal role in reshaping how we learn and use language. From personalised learning paths to real-time feedback, AI is transforming interpersonal communication, language acquisition, and public speaking, especially among students. In the age of rapid technological advancement, artificial intelligence is transforming every corner of human life, education being no exception to it. One of the most exciting developments in this space is how AI is revolutionising language learning, making it more personalised, efficient, and accessible than ever before.


It provides personalised learning, real-time feedback, and interactive real-life experiences. There are different tools and variables for sampling in pedagogy. AI-based language learning uses technologies like machine learning, natural language processing, and large language models to customise and enhance the learning process. Teaching and learning through AI can facilitate employment. In today’s highly competitive job market, especially in the technical and corporate sectors, strong communication skills have become essential for securing employment and sustaining career growth. AI-driven chatbots, like ChatGPT, can simulate real-life conversations, helping students practice speaking and writing English. Other tools like Google's Speech-to-Text and ELSA Speak help improve pronunciation and fluency. It even provides real-time corrections for grammar, style, and vocabulary.


Traditional methods of language learning face challenges such as limited teacher availability, lack of immersion, and one-size-fits-all teaching. AI tools address issues by offering interactive and adaptive experiences. There are some revolutionary platforms like Duolingo, Babbel, and Enguru, which provide customised exercises to strengthen English proficiency. With the help of this weapon, one can generate personalised writing topics and provide instant feedback to enhance technical writing and documentation skills. AI brought a new perspective to soft skills training, like mock interview platforms that analyse tone, clarity, and confidence to provide constructive feedback. Apart from that, it has changed the scenario of analysing speech patterns and providing insights on improving articulation, argument structure, and confidence in group discussion, presentation, debate, and other media of assessments.


AI-powered language tools are often accessible from smartphones and require no physical infrastructure, but they open up opportunities for students in remote or underprivileged regions. Many platforms offer free or low-cost access, ensuring that language education is not restricted to the elite. AI has also been crucial in developing new formats and techniques for presentation and public speaking. Speech Analytics Software AI-powered tools like Orai and Yoodli analyse speaking speed, filler words, and clarity, helping students improve presentation skills. It also features automated speech evaluation. AI can assess pronunciation, intonation, and fluency to refine speaking abilities. AI also facilitates content generation for official correspondence, technical communication, and other soft skills. It assists in drafting writing. AI tools can help draft project reports, research papers, and technical documents more effectively. We benefit from real-time translation and multilingual support by AI; tools like Google Translate help students understand and express complex concepts in multiple languages.


AI focuses on collaboration and networking, such as tools like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT, which help students draft professional emails and even discussion forums. These platforms moderate and provide feedback on student discussions, improving their online communication skills. AI has had a spellbound impact on the technical and engineering field through its implementation in Indian engineering institutions. Integration in curriculum: AI-based communication training modules can be embedded into engineering programs. In many universities, AI-powered language labs have started for real-time practice and assessment. Overall, by leveraging AI, engineering students in India can significantly enhance their communication skills, making them more industry-ready and globally competitive.


In a nutshell, as AI continues to evolve, its role in language learning will only grow stronger. The key lies in using it thoughtfully to enhance, not overshadow, the human element in education. With the right balance, AI can help create a multilingual world where learning is easier, faster, and more engaging than ever before.


(The author is an assistant Professor of Language and Literature. Views personal.)

Comments

bottom of page