B. Ashok (also known as Bash) is Director of Applied Sciences and Engineering at Microsoft Research in Bangalore. He is also co-founder of a holistic school in North Bangalore called Creative School.

Bash was exposed to cryptic crosswords via Indian Express when in high school, but really got into it more when he was doing his undergraduate degree. At that time, he and his friends would attempt the Hindu crossword every day. For the past few years, he has been setting cryptic clues in an online group that he is part of. One of his favourite setters is Araucaria of the Guardian who is known for his witty clues.

Bash has an undergrad degree (IIT Madras) and a MS (Univ of Wisconsin, Madison), both in Computer Science.