The indomitable spirit of the tech and business honchos was evident when they unreservedly took up the challenge to build an artificial intelligence tool that is like ChatGPT, which may prove to be a boon for Indian users, especially for those who are on the wrong side of the digital divide.

In June this year, OpenAI founder and CEO Sam Altman had said that it was “hopeless” for India to try and build an AI tool similar to ChatGPT.

"The way this works is we're going to tell you, it's totally hopeless to compete with us on training foundation models you shouldn't try, and it's your job to like try anyway. And I believe both of those things. I think it is pretty hopeless," Altman was quoted as saying.

The redoubtable Tech Mahindra CEO CP Gurnani was quick to take up the challenge – a move that indicates the core strength of the Mahindra Group to set new benchmarks.

Reliance Industries’ chairman Mukesh Ambani, while recently speaking at the Reliance Annual General Meeting (AGM), said that Jio would create new AI systems, similar to ChatGPT, for Indian users.

"Jio promises AI to everyone, everywhere. And we shall deliver," he was quoted as saying.

The separate announcements by Gurnani and Ambani show the kind of “can-do” spirit of the Indian tech firmament and indicates that nothing is impossible once Indian techies set their hearts and minds to it.

It would, of course, be awesome if Indian universities too take up this challenge. After all, they do have the academic wherewithal…And if resources are an issue, then they may perhaps consider tying up with an industry leader with deep pockets.

Once the Indian version of the ChatGPT like tool is ready, it would give a huge push to information processes as there is a massive market in the country itself.

It would, however, be interesting to see how this goes on to shape mass media in the country. The tone and tonality of an Indian ChatGPT should be evident in the months to come.

But, what should it be called? Is there a certain ring to “BaatGPT”? Or a simpler “BharatBaat” sounds better?