A seminar was organized on Tuesday at Government College University (GCU) Lahore, to pay glowing tributes to Pro Abdus Salam for his contributions in the fields of Mathematics and Physics; and the role he played for development of science in Pakistan. Professor Abdus Salam breathed his last 21 years ago on November 21, 1996. Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Hassan Amir Shah told that GCU housed the original Noble Prize Certificate of Dr Abdus Salam, saying that "it was our most cherished possession to-date."
He said it was remarkable how the Italians had owned Professor Salam and honoured him. 'International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) Italy had preserved all his documents, awards, shields, souvenirs and his personal collection of books including his Hukka etc. in a separate room called Salam Room in the library of the Centre', he told. Talking about his love for Pakistan, the VC said that Professor Salam never accepted any other nationality despite offers. The Vice Chancellor also talked about his personal interactions with Salam, saying he was a very hardworking man.
Punjab University former vice-chancellor Professor Dr Mujahid Kamran shed light on the academic achievements of Professor Salam and his interest in literature. In his keynote address, Dr G. Murtaza, Professor Salam Chair, GCU, said that Professor Salam, a village boy from Jhang, inspired all the young people with the idea that from wherever they belong, they too could make careers in science or any other profession.
He stated 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 world. He died on 21 November 1996 at the age of 70 in Oxford, England. His body was brought to Pakistan and is buried in Chenab Nagar where his parents and wife lay to rest. Dr Ghulam Murtaza, who was also taught by Dr Salam at the Imperial College London, also told about humble upbringing, strong character and virtues of the great scientist.
Professor Amer Iqbal from Abdus Salam School paid tributes to Professor Salam by telling the participants about his electro-weak 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. Professor Dr Asghar Qadir also spoke about Professor Salam's work and significance of his work for contemporary physics.