Bhubaneswar: In the quiet lanes of a distant village in Odisha’s Ganjam district, the place evenings arrive early as a result of properties go darkish with out electrical energy, a younger boy as soon as sat chasing mild—each actually and in spirit. That boy was Arun Okay. Pati. While different youngsters returned house at nightfall, he carried his books to the panchayat workplace veranda, the place a single electrical bulb burned like a small solar in an in any other case shadowed village. Under its pale glow, sitting on the chilly flooring, he dreamed of a universe far brighter than his environment.
Today, the world is aware of him as one of many high 1% of scientists globally, a number one determine in quantum physics, the Father of Indian Quantum Computing, and the person who lately found the ‘Quantum Acceleration Limit’—a rule hidden in nature’s deepest layers. But his story started not in a laboratory, however beside a lantern that glinted greater than it shone.
Prof. Arun Okay. Pati was born within the distant village of Kokalunda, close to Bellaguntha, and grew up in a small village close to Aska, Ganjam. His father labored within the Veterinary Department, whereas his mom was a homemaker. Despite coming from a middle-class household with restricted monetary means, his dad and mom instilled in him the values of studying and perseverance from an early age. He accomplished his main and secondary schooling in his village, studied at Hari-Hara High School in Aska, earned his Bachelor of Science at Aska Science College, and accomplished his MSc in Physics from Berhampur University. Later, he pursued a PhD in Quantum Theory on the University of Mumbai, adopted by an EPSRC postdoctoral fellowship at Bangor University, UK.
Discovering a Passion for Physics
Prof. Arun Okay. Pati’s early pursuits weren’t in physics. He was drawn to portray, Odia literature, poetry, motion pictures, and music. He dreamed of turning into a poet, actor, or music director. However, throughout his BSc, a brand new world opened for him: fashionable physics. He discovered about wave-particle duality—the idea that each particle behaves each like a wave and a particle. This thought fascinated him and ignited his curiosity to discover the deeper mysteries of the quantum world.
During his MSc at Berhampur University, Prof. G. S. Tripathi performed a pivotal function in encouraging him to pursue physics severely. After finishing his MSc, he was chosen for the Training School Program at BARC, Mumbai, and later joined as a scientist within the Theoretical Physics Division. His focus from BSc days had at all times been on quantum mechanics. However, at BARC, few scientists engaged in basic analysis, and he was usually requested to work in reactor physics—an space that didn’t curiosity him. Undeterred, he selected his analysis matters independently and authored papers on his personal, navigating a path that was difficult by any customary.
Struggles and Determination
In a dialog with Ommcom News, Prof. Pati recalled his early struggles and the challenges he confronted in pursuing quantum analysis.
“Until my BSc, we did not have electricity at home. I used to study by lantern light or occasionally under the single bulb at the Panchayat office veranda. It was only when I joined the Berhampur University hostel that I had access to electric light—it was quite a change for me,” he stated.
He additionally spoke concerning the skilled challenges he confronted. Seniors at BARC questioned his give attention to quantum idea and quantum computing, arguing that he ought to work on utilized analysis to “benefit the nation directly.” He confronted demoralisation, delays in promotion, and even restrictions on attending conferences.
“For nearly a decade, it was a very challenging period. But I continued my research in quantum theory and quantum computing. Doing research in quantum physics and quantum information came at a cost, but I never regretted it,” he added.
Despite all odds, Prof. Pati confirmed perseverance. “Over the last 35 years, I have kept my ideas alive. Every idea takes me a step closer to understanding Nature’s truth,” he stated.
Global Recognition and Pioneering Research
After finishing his PhD, he acquired the celebrated EPSRC postdoctoral fellowship at Bangor University, UK, the place he labored with Prof. Samuel L. Braunstein, a world chief in quantum computing. Between 1998 and 2000, Arun made a number of groundbreaking discoveries in quantum data and computing, together with the no-deletion theorem, distant state preparation, geometric phases for combined states, and novel quantum cloning machines. He describes this era as the most efficient years of his profession.
After returning to India, he labored on the Institute of Physics (IOP) Bhubaneswar (2001–2010) and later on the Harish-Chandra Research Institute (HRI), Allahabad. There, together with Prof. Ujjwal Sen and Prof. Aditi Sen De, he established one among India’s largest analysis teams in quantum computing. He stayed at HRI till the top of 2022, later serving as Head of the Centre for Quantum Science and Technology at IIIT Hyderabad. Currently, as Director, he plans to strengthen the Centre for Quantum Technology (CQuTe) at KIIT University, Bhubaneswar—one of many main quantum analysis hubs in Eastern India.
The Quantum Acceleration Limit
For a long time, scientists understood the Quantum Speed Limit (QSL), which defines the utmost velocity at which a quantum system can evolve. Prof. Arun Okay. Pati requested a deeper query: if quantum states have a most velocity, do additionally they have a most acceleration? In different phrases, identical to a automotive has limits not solely on velocity but additionally on how briskly it could possibly speed up, might nature impose limits on how rapidly a quantum system can change its velocity?
After years of analysis, he formulated the Quantum Acceleration Limit (QAL). This regulation of nature states that quantum methods not solely have a most velocity of evolution but additionally a most acceleration—the quickest price at which that velocity can improve. The discovery gives a deeper understanding of quantum dynamics and is essential for quantum computing, quantum management, quantum communication, and quantum sensing. Engineers can now design gadgets which are sooner, extra steady, and extra environment friendly, making certain operations speed up with out errors.
Prof. Pati explains, “While traditional quantum speed limits define the maximum speed of a quantum state, the QAL sets a limit on how fast that speed itself can increase. It reveals that nature restricts not only the pace of quantum evolution but also how abruptly that pace can change. This insight opens new avenues in quantum control, computing, and fundamental physics.”
Currently, the QAL stays a theoretical idea however might be examined with current quantum gadgets comparable to superconducting qubits, trapped-ion methods, nitrogen-vacancy facilities in diamond, and ultracold atomic platforms. Industries like quantum communication, healthcare, protection, computing, and supplies science might doubtlessly profit from its software.
Accolades and Achievements
Over his 35-year profession, Prof. Arun Okay. Pati has made groundbreaking contributions to quantum computation and quantum data. Some of his key discoveries embrace the No-Deletion Theorem, No-Hiding Theorem, No-Masking Theorem, Remote State Preparation, and Stronger Uncertainty Relations.
His analysis has been revealed in prestigious journals comparable to Nature, Science, Scientific American, and Nature Asia.
Prof. Pati has acquired a number of notable awards, together with the Indian Physical Society Award for Young Scientists (1996), Indian Physics Association Award for Young Physicist of the Year (2000), Samanta Chandra Sekhar Award (2009), and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Berhampur University.
He is an elected Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore, and the National Academy of Sciences, Allahabad. He additionally persistently ranks among the many high 2% of scientists worldwide.
Message to Young Students
Prof. Pati believes that India’s rise in international quantum analysis is actual and accelerating. Institutions like KIIT and NISER are nurturing expertise, constructing analysis services, and fostering international collaborations. He urges the Odisha authorities to offer devoted funding, construct quantum labs, encourage collaborations, and create expertise growth applications.
To younger college students throughout India, he stated, “Every great discovery starts with curiosity and persistence. Ground yourself in mathematics and physics—they are essential tools for unlocking the mysteries of the universe. Confusion is often the first step toward true understanding, so question the ‘WHY’ behind concepts rather than just memorising formulas.”
From Lamplight to Global Recognition
Prof. Arun Okay. Pati’s journey—from learning by a flickering lantern in a small Odisha village to main breakthroughs in quantum science—exemplifies willpower, curiosity, and ardour. His life story conjures up numerous younger minds to pursue science, problem boundaries, and dream past their speedy environment. It is a testomony to how resilience, exhausting work, and unwavering focus can rework even the humblest beginnings into international achievements.