Albert Einstein 80 - The Second World War Period -1939 To 1945 Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

In the month of May 1939, Dr. Einstein,
Addressed a conference on Science and Religion.
The title of his talk was ‘Our Goal"!
He made it very clear in his speech
That science & rational thinking cannot
Over-ride personal beliefs and convictions.
The most important point in religion was to bring
Clarity into society with its values and goals.
He emphasized the fact that traditional values
Could not be ignored because of its strong foundation
In aspirations and values that have been tested
By generations and have proved its worth.

As the war was spreading in Europe and Far East,
In the early part of 1940, Dr. Einstein became
An American citizen and took the oath of allegiance
in Trenton, New Jersey. He maintained a dual citizenship
Of U.S.A & Switzerland throughout his life.
He had relinquished German Citizenship earlier,
For the second time in his life, before he left Europe.
Later, he declined membership of Max Planck Institute,
So also, honorary citizenship of Ulm, his birth place.
He could not reconcile with Germany any further.

During the War period, Dr. Einstein concerned himself
With world affairs, disarmament and world peace.
Though he continued his work in the Institute as a professor,
He became less involved in mainstream science research.
He had acquired a reputation of being a great humanitarian
And hence was invited by many organisations as their guide.
Mostly, all his projects turned out to be successful. Besides,
He advocated non-violence influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's principles.

In 1944, Dr. Einstein's hand written copy of
His first research work of ‘Special Theory Of Relativity'-
Original paper published in1905 - was auctioned
For six million dollars that was donated to War fund.
In 1945, as the Second World War ended,
Dr. Einstein retired from the faculty of Institute of Advanced study.

Dr. Einstein continued to keep his office
In the Institute in Princeton, in spite of his retirement,
He was paid a pension and honoured for his contributions,
Till the last day of his life.

There never was born a scientist,
So admired, adored and idolized!

A Biographical Poem