A physicist’s journey A former student of Professor Riazuddin reflects on the physicist’s memoirs and the indelible mark he has left The late Professor Riazuddin was an extraordinary scientist who also happened to be a quiet, gentle and humble man. To those who know him, he was also second to Professor Abdus Salam among Pakistani physicists. Quietly (like he did most things), he led the initial efforts in crafting the theoretical models for developing Pakistan’s nuclear capability. His memoirs carry a similarly quiet and straightforward narration of facts. Unusual in a society that is far more inclined to taking to gloating and chest thumping, it is a first of its kind coming from a physicist who selflessly served Pakistan. For this reason alone, the editors are to be commended for compiling this volume.