Dr. Abdus Salam – The Forgotten Genius!
By Farasat Ahmed Cheema (11, Farnham)
Dr. Abdus Salam was one of the most brilliant scientists in the 20th century. His contribution to physics was significant. He helped develop the Electroweak theory and he developed the theory of the neutrino.
Who was he?
He was born on the 29th of January 1926, in Jhang, a small town in Punjab. From an early age, he had a natural ability formathematics and science.
He always achieved top marks in school, leading to scholarships and many other opportunities.
Dr. Salam studied at Government College, Lahore, and later at Cambridge University in England, where he completed his PhD in theoretical physics.
What did he win his Nobel Prize for?
Alongside Steven Weinburg and Sheldon Glasgow, Dr. Abdus Salam won his Nobel Prize in physics.
He helped develop the Electroweak theory which explains the Electromagnetic force and the weak nuclear force.
How did he help Pakistan?
He established the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission(PAEC) and the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).
Dr. Salam founded the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Italy to support scientists in other countries.
He inspired many scientists, encouraging them to contribute to science.
Why did he leave Pakistan?
Dr. Abdus Salam faced discrimination because he was a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community which was declared non-Muslim in Pakistan in 1974.
How was he treated after his demise?
He passed away on the 21st of November 1996, in Oxford,England. He was buried in Rabwah, Pakistan. Before, his gravestone read ‘ First Muslim Laureate.’ But because of the pressure from religious authorities in Pakistan, the word ‘Muslim’ was erased.
Dr. Salam’s contributions are still celebrated worldwide. His work and name is honoured by many institutions abroad.
Did you know?
- He was the first Pakistani and the first Muslim scientist to ever win a Nobel prize.
- At age 14, Salam scored the highest marks ever recorded for the entrance examination at the Punjab University.
- He won a full scholarship to the Government College University of Lahore.
- He became professor of theoretical physics at the Imperial College of Science and Technology, London, in 1957
Dr. Abdus Salam was one of the best scientists of his time and his work continues to inspire generations. He was a devout Muslim whose religion was inseparable from his family and work life. Dr. Salam is an example of how one’s contributions transcend national and religious boundaries.
Stay tuned for Part 2...
