Oracle launches Think.com in Hindi

When cable TV first arrived in the early 1990s, consumers lapped up re-runs of American soaps. But TV as a concept only took off when channels like Zee TV came up with content in Hindi – and now, regional TV is booming, too. There are many who feel that the Internet will really succeed in India only when localisation takes place.

An important initiative on the localisation front is Think.com, a global community from Oracle for learning that connects schools, teachers and students from around the world. On Friday, the site – which was launched in India in 2004 – unveiled its Hindi version.

In an inaugural function, Think.com was heralded formally by the NASSCOM president, Kiran Karnik. Karnik said, “Development is not just about growth, high turnovers or superb technology, it’s about collaborating and learning.”

“The only problem stopping us is the poor broadband connectivity in India,” warned Ranglal Jamuda, commissioner, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan.

The Hindi version will help students from even Hindi-medium schools to connect with each other, create ideas and share projects and knowledge with millions of people around the globe. More than 2,77,000 students and educators from 50 countries are a part of this online learning community.

“Out of 750,000 primary education schools in India, only 10-15 per cent are English-medium. The Internet will reach a larger section of society more quickly if its content is in a regional language,” said Dr K Kasturirangan, renowned space scientist and member of Parliament. “Think.com’s object is to facilitate interactive community learning. Our attempt is to complement educational initiatives,” added Krishna Dhawan, managing director, Oracle India.

India has the highest number of registered users on Oracle’s Think.com. It is used actively by 75,000 students and teachers in more than 1,100 schools in India, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas and DAV schools.