The Nobel Prize is perhaps the most prestigious award in the world, coveted by many and awarded only after rigorous evaluation to the most deserving individuals. So far, two Pakistanis have had the honor of receiving this esteemed prize.
Dr. Abdul Salam, a theoretical physicist, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1979. His groundbreaking discovery that electromagnetism and weak nuclear force are two different manifestations of the same force was a revelation in the field of physics. This discovery, known as the electroweak theory, not only revolutionized the understanding of fundamental forces but also paved the way for numerous other scientific advancements.
A man with an insatiable love for books, Dr. Salam aspired to establish a research institute in Pakistan to propel the country to the forefront of scientific progress. Unfortunately, his dream did not materialize.
Malala Yousafzai, on the other hand, has been a tireless advocate for women's rights and girls' education from a very young age. Despite the immense dangers, she continued her campaign to promote education for girls. Her efforts earned her the title of "Messenger of Peace."
At just 10 years old, Malala began advocating for girls' education. During the Taliban's reign in Swat, she continued her studies, making her a target for the Taliban. They attacked her in a brutal attempt to silence her voice. However, instead of deterring her, this attack only strengthened her resolve. Today, Malala is a global symbol of the fight for education and continues her mission with unwavering determination.
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The Nobel Prize has its roots in the will of Alfred Nobel, a Swedish chemist, engineer, and inventor, best known for inventing dynamite. A year before his death, Nobel made a surprising decision to allocate a significant portion of his wealth to establish a prize for those who have made outstanding contributions to humanity.
Alfred Nobel spent his life developing explosive materials to extract minerals from mountains. Tragically, his brother died in an explosion at their factory, but it was Alfred's death that was mistakenly reported in newspapers under the headline, "The Merchant of Death is Dead." This misreport deeply impacted Nobel, prompting him to dedicate the remainder of his life to philanthropy.
In his will, Nobel specified five fields for the award: Literature, Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, and Peace. Later, upon the recommendation of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Economics was added to the list. The Nobel Prize includes a gold medal, a diploma, and a cash award. A six-member board, appointed for two-year terms, oversees the selection process, and the members are from Norway or Sweden.
The first Nobel Prize ceremony was held on December 10, 1901, on the fifth anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. Since then, the ceremony has taken place annually on the same date, celebrating individuals who have made remarkable contributions in the aforementioned fields throughout the year.
The announcement of Nobel Prize winners is made in the first week of October. The prize can be shared among up to three individuals, and the Nobel Peace Prize can be awarded to organizations with more than three members. The prize is not awarded posthumously, but if a recipient passes away after the announcement, the prize is still granted.
A Nobel Prize recipient is referred to as a Nobel Laureate. John B. Goodenough won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry at the age of 98, making him the oldest person to receive the award. Malala Yousafzai, who won the Nobel Peace Prize at just 17, holds the title of the youngest Nobel Laureate.
