Published on Jul 06 2007 

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Report by: Qaseem Ahmed Hayat (Additional Amoore Tuluba UK)

The Faculty of Natural Sciences at Imperial College, London organised and hosted a series of public talks marking the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the late Nobel Laureate Professor Abdus Salam at Imperial College. The event also coincided with the Imperial College Centenary celebrations.

The conference was held on Saturday 7th July 2007 in the Sir Alexander Fleming building. It was a free event and open to the public. Alhamdolillah, from the outset the entire lecture hall was full and even over-flowing at times. In attendance were renowned physicists, Academics, lecturers, students and others who were simply intrigued and privileged to be part of the celebrations of such a distinguished personality.

The day consisted of public talks presented by many Physicists who worked very closely with Professor Salam and many who had dedicated themselves to following in the footsteps of the great Scientist. Explanations were presented on Professor Salam's work and theories. An introduction was also given to The Abdus Salam International Centre For Theoretical Physics based in Trieste, Italy which was founded and run by Professor Salam for the study and advancement of modern physics.

The Pakistani High Commissioner, UK, Dr. Mahleeha Lodhi, paid tribute to the contributions Professor Salam made to Pakistan. Dr. Lodhi particularly recognised his role as Chief Scientific Advisor to the President of Pakistan from 1961 to 1974.

Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK, Mirza Fakhar Ahmad Sahib, was also invited to speak. Sadr Sahib presented to the audience a few words of gratitude from Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Al-Khamis (atba). This was followed by the presentation of the Abdus Salam Award, sponsored by Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK, which was given to the Top Physics student at Imperal College.

The event concluded with members of Professor Salam's family recollecting fond memories of their father and grandfather. On display were many writings of Professor Salam and many other personal articles used for research which were of great interest to the audience.