Dr. Abdus Salam – The Forgotten Genius!
By Naufal Mehmood (9, Milton Keynes)
Dr. Abdus Salam was one of the most brilliant scientists of the 20th century
and the first Ahmadi Nobel laureate. He made groundbreaking discoveries in Physics and showed immense dedication to furthering science in the
developing world.
and the first Ahmadi Nobel laureate. He made groundbreaking discoveries in Physics and showed immense dedication to furthering science in the
developing world.
Early Life and Education
Born on 29th January 1926, his hometown was in the Punjab. From a young age, he showed incredible aptitude for learning and with Maths and Sciences in particular, he excelled in school and was able to further his learning with scholarships. He went to Government College of Lahore and went to one of the most prestigious universities in the UK, Cambridge University, where he completed his PhD in theoretical physics
Nobel Prize and Scientific Contribution
In 1979, Dr. Abdus Salam, along with Steven Weinberg and Sheldon Glashow earned the Nobel Prize in Physics. He helped develop the Electroweak Theory, which is the understanding of the unified forces of nature – the electromagnetic force and the weak nuclear force.
This discovery deepened people’s knowledge in particle physics.
Support for Science in the Developing World
Dr. Abdus Salam played a crucial role in founding the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). He also established the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Italy to help scientists in developing countries. Dr. Abdus Salam also mentored many Pakistani scientists.
Legacy and Recognition
He departed this life on 21st November 1996, in Oxford, England. His body was brought to Rabwah, Pakistan, to be buried. His gravestone originally said ‘First Muslim Nobel Laureate’, but due to pressure from authorities, it was erased. Despite being ostracised in his homeland, his contributions are celebrated worldwide. Many institutions abroad honour his name and work.
His achievements are absolutely amazing and we should try to follow in his footsteps.
