Subhash Kak

Subhash Kak (b. 1947) is an Indian-American computer scientist, cryptographer, and writer known for his research in artificial neural networks and quantum cryptography, and for his extensive writings on the history of science and astronomy in ancient India.^[1]

Early life and education

Subhash Kak was born on 26 March 1947 in Srinagar, in the Kashmir region of India. He pursued his early engineering studies at the institution now known as the National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, and went on to earn his doctorate at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi.^[1] He is the elder brother of the computer scientist Avinash Kak.

Academic career

Kak spent much of his professional life in the United States. For several decades he was a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Louisiana State University before joining Oklahoma State University, where he became a Regents Professor in the Department of Computer Science.^[3] His teaching and research have ranged across mathematics, cryptography, computer science, and physics, reflecting a broad and interdisciplinary body of work.

Research contributions

In computer science, Kak is recognised for his work on artificial neural networks, including a family of "instantaneously trained" networks designed for very rapid learning. In cryptography he proposed a three-stage protocol for quantum key distribution, an approach to secure communication that has been studied as an alternative to conventional quantum key exchange schemes.^[4] He has authored numerous technical papers and books across these fields.

Writings on Indian history and science

Beyond his technical work, Kak has written extensively on the history of science and astronomy in ancient India, arguing for an early and indigenous development of Indian astronomical and mathematical knowledge. He has also published poetry and works on philosophy and the nature of consciousness. His interpretations of Vedic-era science have attracted a substantial readership but have also been contested by many mainstream historians and Indologists.^[1]

Recognition

In 2019 the Government of India awarded Kak the Padma Shri, one of the country's highest civilian honours, in the field of science and engineering.^[2] He remains active as a writer and essayist alongside his scientific work.