** This multi-lingual bot is transforming digital banking in rural India

Bengaluru-based voice automation company, Vernacular.ai’s AI voice assistant VIVA, which understands 16 languages and more than 160 dialects, is being implemented across banks in rural India.

The dream of building a startup took Sourabh Gupta and Akshay Deshraj, IIT-Roorkee alumni, to Bengaluru. 

** Lecture on ‘Trade and Technology in Sangam Period’

The Vanavarayar Foundation will organise a lecture on ‘Trade and Technology in Sangam Period’ here on March 31 (Wednesday) as part of its series of monthly lectures on history and culture.

Professor K. Rajan, who has been part of many archaeological excavations in the State, will deliver the lecture at Purandaradasar Hall, R.S. Puram between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., a release said.

Coimbatore

** Steamy business: An African spirit in Fort Kochi saves the puttu from crumbling

The technique of steaming rice flour shapes (idlis, puttu) arrived on India’s coastlines from East Asia, especially China, and was adapted to India’s non-sticky rice flours. As per local beliefs, puttu is offered to African slaves’ spirits in Fort Kochi somewhat like a ‘prasad’.