In a thought-provoking social media post, renowned musician Shehzad Roy shared a historic video of Dr Abdus Salam, the Pakistani Nobel Prize Laureate in Physics, and Julius Robert Oppenheimer, the famous American theoretical physicist known as the “father of the atomic bomb.”
In his post, Roy emphasized the significance of Dr Salam’s scientific contributions and expressed regret for the criticism the esteemed physicist faced in his own country. Roy’s tweet was part of his show, Wasu Aur Mein, where he highlighted Dr Salam’s global recognition and celebration, including in neighboring Bangladesh. The post aimed to challenge the prevailing mindset and prejudices that hinder innovation and scientific progress in Pakistan.
The video’s juxtaposition of Dr Salam and Oppenheimer underscores the importance of embracing and celebrating scientific achievements, regardless of religious or cultural differences. The fact that a Pakistani Nobel Laureate like Dr Salam can stand alongside a renowned American physicist like Oppenheimer showcases how science can unite the world in knowledge and progress.
Dr Salam, born on January 29, 1926, in British India (now Pakistan), was a prominent theoretical physicist who made groundbreaking advancements in particle physics. His work on the electroweak unification theory earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1979, making him the first Pakistani and the first Muslim scientist from an Islamic country to receive such a prestigious award.
Despite global recognition, Dr Salam faced opposition and criticism in Pakistan due to his religious beliefs. He chose to settle in London but maintained close ties with Pakistan’s scientific community. His dedication to his homeland demonstrated the profound impact and love he had for Pakistan’s scientific development.
Roy’s call for a change in mindset and encouragement of innovation is crucial for fostering scientific advancements in Pakistan. By celebrating and honoring Dr Salam’s legacy, the nation can inspire the next generation of scientists and researchers to pursue excellence in their fields.
