At The Outlooker India, we’re always on the hunt for visionaries driving change in their fields. Today, we’re joined by Raghu Para, a renowned Senior Full Stack Engineer and AI/ML Specialist. With over 15 years of experience, Raghu has been at the forefront of advancements in AI, computational linguistics, and AR-driven consumer solutions. In this exclusive conversation, Raghu sheds light on his journey, his groundbreaking projects, and his thoughts on where AI is headed next.
Q: Computational linguistics is a highly specialized field. Can you share how you’ve applied it in your work?
Raghu Para: Computational linguistics has a profound impact on how machines interact with humans. At one of my recent workplaces, one of my favorite projects involved building AI models that analyze customer feedback from multiple languages and formats. By using natural language processing (NLP), we’re able to identify patterns and insights that help us refine products and services. This work has helped us align closer with consumer expectations globally.
Q: Let’s talk about challenges. What’s been the toughest part of innovating in AI/ML?
Raghu Para: The toughest part is balancing innovation with scalability and practicality. It’s easy to get carried away by exciting developments in AI, but ensuring these solutions are scalable and integrate seamlessly into existing systems is a different challenge altogether. Additionally, ethical AI is a significant focus. Building models that are unbiased, secure, and transparent is an ongoing challenge but one we take very seriously.
Q: How do you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field like AI?
Raghu Para: Continuous learning is key. I make it a point to stay updated with the latest research papers, industry developments, and trends in AI/ML and AR. Networking with other professionals and being part of communities also helps me exchange ideas and learn from real-world applications.
Q: AI is reshaping industries across the board. What excites you the most about its future?
Raghu Para: The potential for AI to solve real-world problems excites me the most. Whether it’s advancing healthcare, making transportation safer, or even tackling climate change, AI has immense potential. I’m particularly interested in how generative AI is evolving and how it can enhance creativity and productivity in various industries. The possibilities are endless.
Q: Any advice for budding engineers looking to make a mark in AI/ML?
Raghu Para: My advice would be to focus on building a strong foundation in mathematics, programming, and data structures. Be curious and never stop experimenting. It’s also important to understand the ethical implications of AI and strive to create solutions that positively impact society. Lastly, collaborate with others and be open to learning from failures—that’s where the real growth happens.
Q: How do you see Artificial Intelligence reshaping the landscape of content creation and journalism in India?
Raghu Para: AI is a fascinating tool, but it’s just that—a tool. In journalism, the heart of the craft lies in human intuition, empathy, and the ability to connect with people’s emotions. While AI can help streamline processes, such as fact-checking, transcription, or even generating summaries, it cannot replace the soul of storytelling.
India, in particular, is a country brimming with diversity and stories that demand nuance and sensitivity—something AI still struggles to grasp. Technology should complement creativity, not overshadow it. At the same time, we must tread carefully to avoid misinformation or ethical issues stemming from misuse of AI-generated content. So, while AI can assist, the human touch remains irreplaceable in meaningful journalism.
Q: Before we wrap up, what’s next for you? Any projects you’re particularly excited about?
Raghu Para: There’s a lot in the pipeline, but one project I’m especially excited about involves using AI to tackle a core engineering challenge. While AI is often discussed in the context of various domains, I see immense potential in applying it to address issues like scalability, load balancing, and compute optimization. The focus is on building infrastructure that can seamlessly scale to support AI models across multiple applications. It’s a challenging yet underexplored area, and its importance can’t be overstated. Being part of this effort is both demanding and incredibly rewarding.
Q: Thank you for your time, Raghu. Any parting thoughts?
Raghu Para: Thank you for having me. I’d just like to say that the journey of innovation is a collective effort. By sharing knowledge and working together, we can create solutions that make a difference. The future of technology is bright, and I’m excited to see what we’ll achieve together.
Connect with Raghu on LinkedIn.
