3rd Abdus Salām Science Fair

Dr. Ijaz Rauf, National Secretary Ta`līm

The Abdus Salām Science Fair has been held every year since 2009 in the memory of Dr. Abdus Salām. It is organized by the National Department of Ta`līm, Jamā`at Ahmadīyya Canada. Professor Abdus Salām, the first Muslim scientist to win a Nobel Prize, shared the 1979 Nobel Prize for Physics with two American

scientists Sheldon Glashow and Steven Weinberg for their independent development of a theory unifying the electromagnetic and the weak nuclear forces. Dr. Abdus Salām was born in Pakistan and remained a proud citizen of Pakistan his entire life. After his death on November 21, 1996, his remains were also transported for burial to Pakistan.

Dr. Abdus Salām was one of the mightiest intellectuals born in the land of Pakistan. Although the Government of Pakistan and some religious factions of the country always tried to disown him due to his association with the Ahmadīyya Muslim community, he was still a hero and a role-model for a great number of Pakistani youth in particular and Muslims in general. He was the lone Pakistani star to rise from one of the most underdeveloped regions of his country and shine brightly on the international scene. He not only carried out research for the Gauge Unification of Fundamental Forces, but also was a great believer in the unification of the international scientific community. His efforts in this regard led him to become the founding director of the International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP). This unique institution located in Triest, Italy is now known as the Abdus Salām International Center for Theoretical Physics. It invites and benefits over a thousand scientists each year from all around the world.

Dr. Abdus Salām was the most outspoken and influential advocate of science in developing countries. For him, the difference between the developed world and the developing world was not of wealth but of science and technology. His own example has demonstrated that the ‘third world’ can not only learn, but it can also excel in learning, and even lays its foundations. To promote science in third world countries, he built a network of organizations such as the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and the Third World Organization for Women in Science (TWOWS).

Dr. Abdus Salām set an example worthy of being emulated our youth. The best way to cherish his memory is to create an environment that is conducive for the development of scientific spirit and tempers essential for the creation of many more Salāms. This is why the National Department of Ta`līm strives every year to hold this exciting event. It serves to encourage students to think like young scientists. The main purpose of the fair is to raise the profile of science among children, parents and the community at large. This also helps to show the progress of our youth in sciences as the years progress by demonstrating their scientific learning and achievements.

This year the science fair was held on Saturday November 12, 2011 at the newly built Tāhir Hall, while prize distribution and the closing ceremony were held in the Bai’tul Islām Mosque. The day started at 9:00 a.m., with students setting up their projects for display and evaluation. Students were divided into four groups as follows:

Al-Khwarizmi Group:                     Boys grade 5 to 8

Ibn al-Haytham Group:                  Boys grade 9 to 12

Abū Alī Sīnā Group:                        Girls grade 5 to 8

Jābir ibn Hayyān Group:                                Girls grade 9 to 12

There were five judges on the men’s side and 4 judges on the ladies side to view the projects, ask questions and evaluate the projects according to preset criteria. The evaluation and exhibition of projects started at 10:00 a.m. Project evaluations concluded around 1:00 p.m. However, the public viewing of the projects continued after Zuhr and Asr prayers.

A special feature at this year’s science fair was that a few distinguished guests from outside the community also visited the Science Fair. They visited the project displays, asked questions and encouraged students in their efforts. Among the distinguished guests were Dr. Reza Moridi, a physicist and an MPP from Richmond Hill, Sahebzada A. Khan, from the Council General of Pakistan in Toronto and Professor Stephen Julian, Associate Chair for the Department of Physics, University of Toronto.

“Pakistan will always remain proud of Abdus Salām and such events serve as motivators for our youth to follow the example of Abdus Salām. He is an inspiration for many of our youth,” said Sahebzada A. Khan.

“I was impressed with the efforts these young scientists have put into their projects for this fair, congratulations! It is your time and I can see many Abdus Salāms of the future sitting in front of me,” were the remarks of Dr. Reza Moridi.

“I am impressed with the emphasis that your community is putting on science and education; I naturally feel that this is the right thing to do. Although the girls need to make a little better effort next year, it is heartwarming to see the trends in scientific thoughts of our youth. Many of the projects on protecting the environment, living green and protecting health gives us hope that our youth are headed in the right direction,” commented Professor Stephen Julian.

This year, a total if 99 participants from across Ontario registered for the event. This year’s winners are listed below.

Overall, the Science Fair was a fun-filled day where students, observers, parents and the guests were all inspired and motivated. May Allāh accept these humble efforts and multiply their fruits many fold. Āmīn.

Al-Khwarizmi Group: Boys grade 5 to 8

Ibn al-Haytham Group: Boys grade 9 to 12

Abū Alī Sīnā Group: Girls grade 5 to 8

Jābir ibn Hayyān Group: Girls grade 9 to 12