Role of Science
By Shamim Alam Sheikh
Chandanwala,
Jhang Sadr Pakistan
In his speech at the Nobel Prize award ceremony on Dec. 10, 1979, Dr. Abdus Salam, Pakistan’s eminent physicist, said, "The creation of physics is the shared heritage of all mankind. East and West, North and South have equally participated in it and I say this, not only to remind those present here tonight, but also for those in the Third World, who feel they have lost out in the pursuit of scientific knowledge, for lack of opportunity and resources." He went on to say, “Alfred Nobel had stipulated that no distinction of race or color will determine who received of his generosity. On this occasion, let me say this to those, whom God has given His Bounty. Let us strive to provide equal opportunities to All so that they can engage in the creation of physics and science for the benefit of all mankind. This would exactly be in the spirit of Alfred Nobel and the ideas which permeated his life. Bless you!" Throughout his life, Dr. Salam kept on reminding the rulers of developing countries and the Muslim World that science and technology were instrumental in ensuring the progress and prosperity of a nation. He said, “Let no future historian record that in the 21st century, scientific talent was there but there was a dearth of statesmen to marshal and nurture it." (Ideals and Realities, World Scientific, Singapore)
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