Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) have been taking the global stage by storm with their notable contributions in various domains. Among these prominent individuals, Vasanthan Ramakrishnan, an NRI based in the United States, has earned recognition as an influential change-maker in the fields of technology, research, and social justice. Born and raised in Madurai, India, within a family that cherished education and compassion, Ramakrishnan was molded into an empathetic individual with a strong sense of social responsibility from a young age. His drive for societal change and hunger for knowledge paved his path toward eradicating inequality and erecting a world without barriers.
His commitment to advocating for the marginalized led him to establish the internationally acclaimed Feminist Pen Foundation in July 2020. This 5X award-winning organization operates in four countries, including India, the United States, the Netherlands, and Dubai. With his remarkable leadership skills, Ramakrishnan steered this foundation to the forefront of the battle for gender equality. By employing staff from over six different nations, he has led the organization in empowering marginalized communities, particularly women, and has inspired countless people to challenge societal norms.
While the Feminist Pen Foundation represents Ramakrishnan's philanthropic endeavors, his groundbreaking work in technology manifests through his role as the Chief Scientist at the Center for Innovation in Emerging Technologies (CIET), a subsidiary of Feminist Pen Foundation based in Chicago. Here, Ramakrishnan and his dedicated team are developing cutting-edge solutions to protect children from cyberbullying and abuse on social media and the internet. His work at CIET stands as a testament to his belief in the power of technology in ensuring child safety and promoting inclusivity.
Among the innovative solutions born out of CIET is CySafe, an AI-based tool that leverages a hybrid RNN-LSTM neural network to anticipate, detect, and classify instances of cyberbullying. CySafe outperforms conventional content moderation tools by recognizing patterns in natural language, slang terms, and even aesopian phrases. This software is programmed to work across languages, browsers, and devices, extending a comprehensive protective net over children, irrespective of their geographical or cultural context. Ramakrishnan's relentless pursuit of this initiative reflects his commitment to creating an inclusive and safer digital environment for children.
Ramakrishnan's extraordinary contributions to human rights advocacy, nonprofit development, and child safety technology have garnered him extensive recognition. He has received ten national-level awards and two international honors and has been featured on the covers of renowned magazines such as Insights Success, Achievers' World, and Inner Review. His work has earned him two honorary doctorates in humanities and technology, a rare accomplishment for a scientist of his age.
His work has also garnered significant media attention, with over 30 features across global media platforms and coverage in more than 100 press and media publications across countries, including India, Singapore, the USA, and Canada. Ramakrishnan's global acclaim has led to invitations from prestigious juries such as NASA, civilian award committees, and internationally recognized business awards such as Globee, Stevie, Codie, Webby, Lovie, Anthem, and Harvard Business Council (HBC), further establishing his influence and recognition.
Through his outstanding journey, Vasanthan Ramakrishnan has become a symbol of hope and inspiration, encouraging others to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society. His visionary leadership, determination, and innovative approach have shattered societal barriers and empowered marginalized communities and individuals with disabilities to realize their full potential. He embodies the remarkable heights that NRIs can reach and brings immense pride to India.
Ramakrishnan's story is a vivid illustration of the power of education, compassion, and relentless pursuit of one's goals. His ongoing efforts to create a world without barriers and ensure safety for children in the digital world underscore his dedication to societal transformation. His story serves as an enduring source of inspiration for anyone striving to build a more inclusive, equitable, and safer society. Ramakrishnan continues to shine as an exemplar of the profound impact technology and empathy can have when woven together in the pursuit of societal good.
