The Chicago Journal

The Chicago Journal
The Chicago Journal

Vasanthan Ramakrishnan: A Chicago Tech Maverick Forging a Safer Future for Children

The Chicago Journal Staff on July 13, 2023

Aristotle once said, “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” This ancient wisdom resonates profoundly in the life and work of Vasanthan Ramakrishnan, a pioneer in the realm of child safety and artificial intelligence (AI). Born into a middle-class family in Madurai, India, Vasanthan Ramakrishnan grew up with an appreciation for education and compassion deeply rooted in him by his educator parents. His journey from a curious boy questioning societal norms to a global change-maker is nothing short of inspiring. Today, as a tech maverick and a staunch child safety advocate residing in Chicago, Ramakrishnan is shaping a future where children can navigate the digital world without fear, a testament to the fruit of his educational roots.

Central to Ramakrishnan’s achievements are his key roles at the Center for Innovation in Emerging Technologies (CIET) and the Child Rights Institute (CRI), institutions that embody his commitment to harness technology for the welfare of children. They are independent subsidiaries of his larger international nonprofit organization – Feminist Pen Foundation, which is a 5X award winning human rights nonprofit focused on building a global advocacy for human rights at some of the world’s most oppressed populations while making small leaps towards closing the global gender parity gap. After winning 12 awards for his work in human rights, he is building Feminist Pen in 4 countries – USA, Chicago, Netherlands and Dubai with his 20-member team to reach over 500,000+ people from 17 countries. With an unerring focus on children’s rights and safety, Ramakrishnan has managed to bring his innovative ideas to life in the form of technological solutions that shield children from the adversities of the online world.

Leading this roster of innovations is CySafe, a ground-breaking AI-based tool designed to protect children from the pervasive threat of cyberbullying. CySafe signifies a leap forward in child safety technology, and its birth is interwoven with Ramakrishnan’s journey. Recognizing the shortcomings of existing cyberbullying detection systems—namely their inability to detect complex language features such as slang, multilingualism, and aesopian phrases—Ramakrishnan felt the need for a more nuanced approach.

His vision became reality with CySafe, the world’s first AI-based plug-in tool that employs a hybrid RNN-LSTM neural network for detecting, anticipating, and classifying cyberbullying incidents. What sets CySafe apart from conventional tools is its ability to recognize patterns across natural language, slang terms, and aesopian phrases, unique to select groups or communities, in addition to distinguishing false positives. Designed to work across languages, browsers, and devices, CySafe offers an extensive safety net that protects children from cyberbullying, irrespective of their location or language. 

Unlike the existing content moderation tools that are programmed to work within restrictive community guidelines and primarily focus on preventing security escalations, CySafe digs deeper. It uncovers the root cause of bugs or loopholes that allow cyberbullies to remain hidden for months or even years, causing mental and physical harm to children and teenagers. Thus, CySafe stands as a testament to Ramakrishnan’s commitment to create a safer and inclusive digital space for children.

This deep commitment to child safety has earned Ramakrishnan two honorary doctorates from prestigious Indian educational institutions. These honors not only acknowledge his profound technological acumen but also appreciate his relentless efforts to align technology with social needs. But Ramakrishnan’s reach extends far beyond child safety. His work in promoting gender equality, inclusivity, and social justice has garnered him two international awards and ten national awards, marking his prominence in the non-profit sphere.

It is rare to find a blend of technology and social commitment as potent as that embodied by Ramakrishnan. His journey illuminates the path for future innovators and advocates, emphasizing that technology, when coupled with empathy and a deep understanding of societal needs, can become a powerful tool for change.

However, for Ramakrishnan, his journey is far from over. Each recognition, each accolade, each child saved from the perils of cyberbullying fuels his resolve to continue his mission. His philosophy reflects his vision of a world where technology is a bridge connecting individuals, not a barrier. His steadfast belief is that the world of technology is an open book, with no full stops, only commas— an endless pursuit of innovation.

As we witness the remarkable journey of Vasanthan Ramakrishnan, we are reminded of the transformative power of technology guided by empathy. He stands as a beacon, inspiring others to harness the potential of technology to create a more inclusive, safer, and equitable society. In doing so, he paints a promising picture of the future—one where the digital world is not a battlefield for children, but a playground. A world where technology serves as a guardian, not a threat. In essence, a world that honors the right of every child to a safe and secure childhood.

Four Thirty Four: A New Force in Rock Music Soars with ‘High Roller’

The Chicago Journal Staff on July 13, 2023

Exuding raw talent and an unwavering dedication to their craft, Four Thirty Four, a hard rock band originating from Central Virginia, is steadily carving out their name in the music industry. On May 30th, their single ‘High Roller’ was released to radio, making waves nationwide and stirring excitement among fans and critics alike.

As the end of the week of July 11th, 2023 approached, ‘High Roller’ catapulted to the number 37 spot on the SMR Top 50 Mainstream/Active Rock chart. The single’s achievement is an attestation of the band’s tremendous growth and potent sound that resonates with the contemporary rock scene.

Adding to their success, ‘High Roller’ was the most-added single to radio stations in secondary markets on its release day. It outpaced notable new releases by artists such as Corey Taylor, Black Stone Cherry, Halestorm, Pop Evil, Seven Dust, and more. This achievement was not confined to secondary markets; the single was also the top added to Mediabase, a music industry service that monitors radio station airplay in 180 US and Canadian markets. Mediabase is a division of iHeartMedia and has a significant influence in the music industry, providing analytical tools and music data for professionals.

Stryker Records released ‘High Roller,’ which was then distributed worldwide by Ingrooves, a Universal Music Group company, to all major music platforms on June 9, 2023. The band’s management is handled by Jason Schrick of Extreme Management Group (EMG).

Four Thirty Four has evolved into a powerful quartet since its inception in late 2019 when Mike Vernon, Craig Coyner, and Scott Jordan welcomed drummer Greg Baker. Their moniker represents their home in the Central Virginia area, where all members reside. The band resists fads and gimmicks, preferring to let their music speak for itself.

With their distinctive spin on sound and songwriting, Four Thirty Four entered the studio in 2021 to record their EP, ‘The Gold EP.’ Their successful year was highlighted by their closing stage performance at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival, Shred Fest in Fredericksburg, VA, and Trash and Splash in Bumpass, VA. The following year, they signed a management deal with EMG and have been on an upward trajectory ever since.

Among the band’s key members is frontman Michael Lee Vernon, or Mikey V. Vernon’s diverse upbringing, which saw him living in multiple states and attending several schools before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, undoubtedly shaped his unique musical style. He pulls inspiration from all decades and genres of music, channeling this creativity into his performances with Four Thirty Four.

Guitarist Scott Jordan brings a broad range of influences to the band’s sound. Having started his music career in the Virginia-based band Sedamentreous, he’s now one of the key forces behind Four Thirty Four’s unique sound. His experience as a show booker and tour manager, along with his relationship with Jason Schrick from EMG, continues to contribute significantly to the band’s success.

The release of ‘High Roller’ was an experience that the band will remember for a long time, especially given the opportunity to work with multi-platinum record producer Malcolm Springer at East Iris Studios. This step signaled a shift from their DIY operation into a realm where they worked with industry professionals, bringing a unique dimension to their music.

In the world of rock, Four Thirty Four has positioned itself as a force to reckon with. Their recent accomplishments signify their arrival in the mainstream, proving that they are more than capable of holding their own against well-established acts. With their unique sound, dedication to their craft, and the backing of a powerful team, the journey of Four Thirty Four is one to watch closely. This is just the beginning for the quartet, who are gearing up for what promises to be a remarkable journey in the music industry.