Professor Abdus Salam, man who was humiliated in Pakistan but honoured at India’s AMU: A Tale of respect and recognition

In 1979, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, which he shared for his groundbreaking work on the "Electroweak Theory." This brought global recognition not only to him but also to Pakistan.

Written by: Victor Dasgupta Edited by: Victor Dasgupta

Published: December 16, 2024, 8:52 AM IST

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https://www.india.com/news/professor-abdus-salam-who-was-humiliated-in-pakistan-but-honoured-in-india-at-amu-nobel-laureate-7468081/ Copy

Professor Abdus Salam

New Delhi: The Maulana Azad Library at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) houses a priceless treasure that stands as a symbol of not just the university’s legacy but also India’s scientific pride and heritage. This artifact is the Nobel Prize of Professor Abdus Salam, Pakistan’s first Nobel laureate. His Nobel Prize is preserved in the library and plays a vital role in enhancing the university’s reputation on the international stage.

Professor Abdus Salam Was Disrespected in Pakistan

Professor Abdus Salam is a known name in the world of science. There are multiple stories of Salam’s achievements in the field. However, he faced unfortunate religious discrimination in his home country, Pakistan.

In 1979, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, which he shared for his groundbreaking work on the “Electroweak Theory.” This brought global recognition not only to him but also to Pakistan.

However, after the Pakistani government declared the Ahmadiyya community non-Muslim, Professor Salam was ostracized from society, and his achievements were largely ignored in his homeland. As a result, he was compelled to leave the country, despite being one of its most celebrated scientists.

AMU Honored Salam

Professor Abdus Salam was honored by India’s Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). This came after he was insulted and humiliated in his own country. At AMU, he was given lifetime union membership and an honorary doctorate. In a remarkable gesture, Professor Salam donated his 1979 Nobel Prize to AMU, which is now preserved in the university’s Maulana Azad Library. This award has become a priceless treasure for AMU, symbolizing not only the university’s pride but also its commitment to science and research.

Apart from Professor Salam, AMU has also welcomed other Nobel laureates over the years. Eminent figures such as the Dalai Lama have graced AMU’s platform, sharing their thoughts and being equally honored by the university.