Episode 6 features Professor Ravindran, head of the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI at IIT Madras. He takes us on a fascinating journey through the evolution of AI, its interdisciplinary nature, and its impact on education and work. Starting with his early curiosity about AI’s ability to mimic human thinking, he shares insights into reinforcement learning and the “explore-exploit dilemma,” explaining how AI influences decision-making, innovation, and global connectivity.
He also discusses the creation of the Wadhwani School, highlighting IIT Madras’s strong culture of innovation and collaboration. Of course, the big question arises—will AI take over our jobs? Professor Ravindran reassures us that AI will enhance, not replace, human roles, transforming our work. Curious to know more? Catch the full episode now on YouTube or Spotify!
The Explore-Exploit Dilemma
A key concept in reinforcement learning (RL) and human decision-making is knowing whether to explore or exploit. And when. In RL, agents must balance exploration (trying new actions to learn) with exploitation (focusing on proven options). Explore too much, and you risk inefficiency; exploit too early, and you potentially miss better alternatives. Professor Ravindran points out how this mirrors human choices—whether trying new restaurants, career paths, or leisure activities. We all need to balance the need to go on the roads not taken while carrying a map charting those that already were. He emphasizes that life’s uncertainties make exploration essential, as only by trying can we uncover true payoffs. The dilemma, he insists, is a fundamental challenge in both artificial and human intelligence, as it requires navigating the trade-off between exploring the unknown and capitalising on existing knowledge. So maybe AI isn’t all that inhuman after all?
The Wadhwani School Of Data Science And AI
Professor Ravindran’s vision behind the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI at IIT Madras included addressing the growing importance of AI as an interdisciplinary field. The school unites existing research initiatives and degree programs across disciplines, fostering collaboration and innovation. Alumnus Sunil Wadhwani’s generous funding supported its creation, enabling the school to expand its scope. Designed as a comprehensive hub, the school integrates education and research to reflect AI’s inherently collaborative nature, breaking traditional departmental boundaries to drive advancements in the field.
The Human Touch & Innovation
At their core, humans are curious. Where there’s curiosity, creativity surely seeps in. And with creativity, evolution too follows along. Taking the example of AlphaGo, Professor Ravindran pointed out how the very introduction of AI in the game revolutionised the way Go is played. Human beings learned from AI tactics and contributed to developing newer strategies. He emphasises that while AI models can excel at optimising existing solutions, they may struggle to explore uncharted territories and generate novel ideas. Like yes, sure, online interactions are increasingly blurring the lines between virtual and real-world connections. And of course, the concerns about hyper-personalisation and echo chambers are very much real. But there’s a lot of potential for AI to foster a more interconnected global community. Thus suggesting that human connection and collaboration will remain essential, even as AI becomes more integrated into our lives.
Who’s In The Future: Human-Powered AI or AI-Powered Humans?
AI is not necessarily a replacement for human intelligence. Rather, it’s a powerful tool that can augment and enhance our capabilities. Professor Ravindran believes that individuals need to embrace a mindset of lifelong learning and continuously adapt their skills to thrive in the rapidly evolving AI-driven world. This includes understanding how to leverage AI tools effectively and developing complementary skills that differentiate human capabilities from AI’s strengths. While AI can automate tasks, provide insights, and inspire new approaches, it also requires humans to actively shape its development, harness its potential responsibly, and continuously adapt their own skills. In the end, the world is still ours. It is us who decide to delegate which aspect of our tasks to whom - be it our own brains or computer-programmed ones.
The Bottom-Line Is…
…don’t worry. And stay curiously creative 
And if you are already in IIT Madras or plan to get into it, you’ll always be surrounded by opportunities and the right guidance to build yourself to suit the growing tech landscape. The culture of building and innovation fostered at IITM, coupled with the support from industry and visionary leaders, has created a thriving ecosystem for AI research, education, and entrepreneurship. This environment, according to Professor Ravindran, is instrumental in preparing students for a future where AI will be integral to various professions and industries.