Khwarzimic Science Society
Centre of Excellence in Solid State Physics
Punjab University | Quaid-e-Azam Campus | Lahore 54590
PAKISTAN

Email: info@khwarzimic.org
WWW: http://www.khwarzimic.org
Tel: +92 42 9231 136
Fax: +92 42 9231 139

Venue: Ali Auditorium, Ali Institute of Education, Ferozepur Road, Lahore 54600 (near Ghulab Devi Hospital). Telephone numbers for the Ali Institute are 5882913, 5837080 and 5885065.

Day: Friday, 10 December 2004

Time: 4 pm sharp

Public Lecture on: THE FOUR GREATEST IDEAS IN PHYSICS



Speaker: Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy, Professor, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad

Abstract of the Lecture: Our current understanding of the world, and every single bit of technology created by humans, is based upon a series of fundamental discoveries in physics. Extremely important advances in physics have occured over the last 100 years - the theory of relativity, quantum mechanics, unification of forces, and superstring theory. These will be explained in a language that will be understandable to even those without specialized knowledge of physics.

Presided by: Dr. Anis Alam, Director-Dean Ali Institute of Education

Report: The Lecture was one of the Society's most well attended public meeting. A large number of students, scientists and members of the general public started turning up before the lecture. The packed Ali Auditorium presented a wonderful mix of young and old, children and parents, KSS members and non-members, journalists, teachers, vice chancellors, academicians, educationists and of course students. The President of KSS, Dr. Saadat Anwar Siddiqi presented the yearly report and outlined the central theme behind the Khwarzimic Science Society. All proceedings were conducted in Urdu.

In his address, the speaker Prof. Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy aptly explained the four greatest ideas in physics: relativity, quantum mechanics, electro-weak unification and the string theory. These ideas had changed the very face of twentieth century physics and taken mankind into more exciting nooks and corners of the known and the unknown universes. The content of the lecture was aimed for the lay masses, and therefore commanded a lot of eager interest from people of all backgrounds. The lecture was followed by an active question and answer session, lasting another thirty minutes.

At the end, the chair of the lecture and Dean-Director of the Ali Institute, Prof. Dr. Anis Alam was invited for expressing his comments about the function. He throroughly praised the speaker for his brilliance and great command over simplifying intricate concepts in physics. He also expressed hope that under the leadership of Dr. Saadat Anwar Siddiqi, the KSS can help create a scientific culture in our educational institutes. Bouquets were presented to Dr. Anis Alam and the speaeker, Dr. Hoodbhoy.

Even after the meeting was over and refreshments were being served, the speaker was surrounded by a large crowd of inquisitive students.

Click on the thumbnal pictures below to have a photographic glimpse of the event. The lecture was also very well covered in the National Press.

(Photography by Rafay Anwar Siddiqi and Abu Bakar Siddiqi.)

GENERAL BODY MEETING 2004

The meeting was conducted successfully on 10 Dec, 2004 at the Ali Auditorium, Ali Institute of Education. The meeting was presided by President KSS, Prof. Dr. Saadat Anwar Siddiqi.

Download Goals and Agenda of the General Body Meeting 2004 in pdf format.

Goals:

1. To establish a direct face to face interface of the KSS with its Members and within the Members.

2. To make possible an active and long-term academic linkage not only with the existing chapters where the KSS is currently active but also seeking new institutes where the KSS can function and serve their respective student bodies.

3. To establish a relationship with the industry and professional research organizations that provides opportunities for the Members of the KSS to gain a flavor of the industry apart from providing sponsorship of cost-extensive events of society.

Agenda of the Meeting:

1. In order to achieve the first goal of the society, it is suggested to call an "Open House" with the members. In this "open house", members can provide suggestions for the betterment of the KSS: such as nature and frequency of its activities, advertisement and announcement issues, financial and membership matters; present their complaints and look for ways and means in which the KSS can enhance its set of functions beyond mere seminars and workshops.

2. The meeting will also provide a chance for Members to receive their Membership cards (if not already issued) and non-Members may apply for Membership on spot.

3. The KSS has already proved itself worthy in arranging seminars, workshops, educational trips, etc.; and now we need to move further in the realization of our objectives. Various options can be discussed in this regard, the goal being transforming KSS from a lecture-oriented Society to an intellectually motivated movement. Several ways forward in this direction may include:

· Panel discussions
· Scientific Monographs writings
· Active contribution of members to newspapers via KSS
· TAKVEEN: our online magazine receives considerable contributions, but only from a few contributors. We need to enhance the reach of Takveen and appoint a group of individuals who can look after its maintenance, selection and publication of articles.
· Society Newsletter: The KSS online News Section is one right step in the direction of a quarterly KSS Newsletter. We need to think of ways to regularize this into the form of an in-print four page newsletter and discuss matters related to its editorial board, editing and production.
· More field visits to sites of archeological and astronomical interest

Also see Appendix A which is the text of a message received from Bilal Zafar, University of Southern California, US. This message outlines, but does not limit the nature of the discussions we expect in our meeting.

4. KSS Members belong to a vast range of backgrounds and qualifications. This diversity can be viewed as a potential resource. Can we tap this resource through more effective inter-Member dialogue and communication? What means are possible to establish this channel: online Member posts, emails, bulletin boards?

5. We may also discuss promotion of local industry for their launch of products and services. In this regard, we are thinking of devoting 5-10 minutes of our lecture sessions for representatives of the industry to introduce themselves. This can also serve as a means to acquiring sponsorships.

6. The inter-member networking and use of common interests and professional fields should be promoted. Information about member's profile would be collected at the spot, as well introduction of new sections on the web-site dedicated for such tasks. It has been suggested to float a new email on the mailing list whenever some new member joins in KSS.

7. It has also been suggested to offer some of the responsibilities of the KSS Administrative committees to Members present at the spot. This includes volunteers from existing KSS Chapters as well as Members from new prospective Chapters.

8. The agenda may also include any other issues that the participants view to be important and beneficial.

9. Election: Lastly, in the meeting Members of the KSS will elect a nominated panel of Office Bearers including the President, Vice President, General Secretary, Joint Secretary and Executive Committee by simple majority. Only Members of the Khwarzimic Science Society will be allowed to vote.