One of the most notable American Hindus and Vedic scholars that I have known is Subhash Kak. We first began to correspond in 1990 relative to our common interest in ancient India. We met shortly thereafter. Soon we created a close friendship and alliance that has continued throughout the years.

Kak made several brilliant contributions to science in the Vedas, showing the sophistication of mathematics and astronomy that  existed at an early era, particularly in the Satapatha Brahmana. Perhaps most notable is his work unlocking the numerical code behind the organization of the Rig  Veda. He has also made important  breakthroughs in deciphering the Indus script. In addition he connected Vedic and Vedantic ideas with the latest insights of modern physics and neuroscience. Along with the noted yoga scholar, Georg Feuerstein, we did a book on ancient India called In Search of  the Cradle of Civilization that highlighted the new findings on ancient India.

Subhash always emphasized the pursuit of truth, not simply defending a particular religion or culture, however noble it may be. If we are to find value in the Vedas, it is their truth that matters. But the  Vedic idea of truth is not just of an objective material order but of cosmic law (ritam) that imparts harmony to all existence. We must  develop that dharmic way of truth and insight, not merely repeat old phrases or uncritically preserve old  traditions. The Vedas must be a way to truth or they have no meaning.