LAHORE: Dr Abdus Salam, a Nobel laureate and Old Ravian, breathed his last 21 years ago on November 21, 1996, after a protracted illness. With his sad demise, not only Pakistan but also the entire third world lost a great scientist and a humble human being, said speakers at a seminar organised on Tuesday at his alma mater, Government College University (GCU) Lahore. The seminar was organised to pay tribute to Salam for his contributions to the fields of mathematics and physics, and the role he played for the development of science in Pakistan.
Speaking at the occasion, GCU Vice Chancellor Dr Hassan Amir Shah proudly shared that GCU housed the original Noble Prize certificate of Dr Abdus Salam, saying that “it was our most cherished possession to date.” International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) Italy has preserved all his documents, awards, shields, souvenirs and personal collection of books including his hukka, in a room called Salam Room in the library of the centre. He said it was remarkable how the Italian institute had honoured Dr Salam.
Talking about his love for Pakistan, the VC said that Salam never accepted any other nationality despite many offers. The vice chancellor also talked about his personal interactions with Salam, saying he was a hardworking man throughout his life.
Punjab University former vice chancellor Dr Mujahid Kamran shed light on the academic achievements of Salam and his interest in literature.
In his keynote address, GCU Salam Chair Dr G Murtaza said the story of Salam, a village boy from Jhang, inspired all young people with the idea that wherever they may come from, they too could make careers in science or indeed in any other profession, at present mainly dominated by rich countries. He said Salam’s achievements were not confined to the Nobel Prize. He added that Salam became a fellow of more than 30 academies/societies of the world and was awarded honorary doctorate by more than 40 universities across the globe.
Dr Ghulam Murtaza, who was taught by Dr Salam at the Imperial College London, also touched upon humble upbringing, strong character and virtues of the great scientist.
Amer Iqbal from Abdus Salam School paid tribute to Salam by telling the participants about his electroweak theory and its modern implications. He said scientific work of Salam was one of the great achievements of the 20th century and was regarded an important step towards ultimate unity of all forces in nature.
Dr Asghar Qadir also spoke about Dr Salam’s work and its significance for contemporary physics.
Salam died in 1996 at the age of 70 in Oxford, England. His body was brought to Pakistan and buried in Chenab Nagar where his parents and wife lay to rest.
Published in Daily Times, November 22nd 2017.
