Albert Einstein’s letter to Marie Curie

History often only remembers great scientists for what they found. But sometimes, when they are alone together, they show a very different side of the scientific world. One of these stories is about two of the most famous scientists of the 20th century: Albert Einstein and Marie Curie. In 1911, Curie was at the centre of a major public controversy in France. At the same time, she was also preparing to receive her second Nobel Prize. Amid intense criticism and media attention, Einstein wrote her a personal letter. According to academic biographies, the message was not about physics or scientific theory. Instead, it was a note of support and admiration. The letter has since become an interesting part of scientific history because it shows how one scientist defended another at a hard time. The story behind this letter shows how scientists sometimes had to deal with stress outside of the lab and how respect for each other helped them make friends that lasted.

When Marie Curie was facing public controversy

Marie Curie was already one of the most respected scientists in the world by 1911. She and her husband Pierre Curie, as well as physicist Henri Becquerel, won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903 for their work on radioactivity. However, academic biographies say that Curie was heavily criticised in public life despite her scientific success. French newspapers started to write about her relationship with physicist Paul Langevin that year. Langevin was married but not living with his wife, and the affair quickly became a big story in the news.When newspapers got hold of private letters between Curie and Langevin, things got even worse. People talked more about her personal life than about her scientific work. At the same time, Curie had just lost a close vote to join the French Academy of Sciences, which had never let a woman in before.

Albert Einstein’s unexpected letter of support to Marie Curie

In November 1911, Albert Einstein wrote a private letter to Marie Curie during this hard time. At the time, Einstein had just met Curie at a scientific meeting in Brussels and thought very highly of her work and character.Einstein began the letter by expressing admiration for Curie’s intellect, determination, and honesty. He wrote that he felt fortunate to have met her personally.He also strongly criticised the way the public and media were treating her. In the letter, Einstein described the sensational coverage as unfair and advised Curie not to pay attention to it. According to the letter’s translation, he suggested that if the public continued to spread rumours, she should simply ignore them rather than read them.The letter was both supportive and direct. It showed that Einstein thought that public gossip shouldn’t take away from Curie’s scientific work.

Here’s the letter:

“Prague, 23 November 1911Esteemed Mrs. Curie,Don’t laugh at me for writing to you without having anything sensible to say. But I’m so furious at the vile [niederträchige] way in which the rabble [Pöbel] at present dares to treat you that I absolutely must give vent to this feeling. I am, however, convinced that you despise this rabble, equally when it’s feigning adoration or when it’s using you to slake its thirst for the sensational! I must tell you how much I’ve come to admire your spirit [Geist], your creativity, and your honesty. I consider myself lucky to have made your personal acquaintance in Brussels. Anyone other than those reptiles is certainly happy, now as before, that we have eminent people like you, and also Langevin, among us—real people [wirkliche Menschen] with whom one feels privileged to be in contact. If the rabble continues to occupy itself with you, then simply don’t read that swill. Rather leave it to the reptile for whom it’s been fabricated.With most friendly regards to you, Langevin, and [Jean] Perrin,Yours very truly,A. EinsteinP.S. I’ve determined the statistical law of [rotational] motion for a diatomic molecule in Planck’s radiation field by means of a merry joke [lustigen Witz], of course on the assumption that the structure’s motion obeys the laws of ordinary mechanics. But I have little hope that this law is valid in reality.”

The scientific meeting that started their friendship

Einstein and Curie first interacted closely during the 1911 Solvay Conference in Brussels. This event brought together many of the leading scientists of the time to discuss new ideas in physics.The conference included figures who later shaped modern physics, including Einstein, Curie, and other pioneers studying radiation, atomic structure, and energy.Although they had just met, Einstein quickly developed a deep respect for Curie’s work and personality. As per academic biographies, historians of science believe that the letter he wrote during the scandal helped strengthen a long-lasting friendship between the two scientists.Their professional relationship continued for many years afterwards.

Marie Curie’s second Nobel Prize during the controversy

The controversy surrounding Curie’s personal life happened at the same time she was about to receive another major scientific honour.In 1911, she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for her work on the discovery of the elements polonium and radium and for her research on radioactivity.Some people even said she shouldn’t go to the Nobel Prize ceremony because of the public scandal. Curie chose to go to the ceremony and accept the prize in person anyway, even though there was a lot of pressure on her.She was the first person ever to win Nobel Prizes in two different areas of science.

What Einstein wrote at the end of the letter

Historians have often pointed out one part of the letter because it shows what kind of scientist Einstein was.Einstein wrote a short note at the end about a new scientific idea he was working on, after giving support and encouragement. He talked about a statistical law that has to do with how molecules move in a radiation field.The brief scientific note seemed like an afterthought after the emotional message. This little thing shows how scientists often talked about both personal and scientific things in the same conversation.

Why the letter still attracts attention today

Historians and readers are still interested in the letter between Einstein and Curie for a number of reasons.First, it shows the human side of two important scientists. Most people remember Einstein and Curie for their important theories and discoveries. But this conversation shows how they treat each other and how much they respect each other.Second, the episode shows how hard it was for scientists in the early 1900s, especially women who worked in fields that were mostly men.Finally, the letter shows how the scientific community sometimes stood by each other when they were being criticised in public.

South Africa and West Indies cricket team (Agency Image)

The International Cricket Council has responded to allegations of bias after travel complications following the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup sparked a major controversy involving several teams.Although the tournament concluded on Sunday with India national cricket team defeating New Zealand national cricket team in a one-sided final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, some participating teams have remained stuck in India due to ongoing airspace restrictions linked to the conflict in the Middle East and West Asia.Among those affected are the West Indies national cricket team and the South Africa national cricket team. The West Indies played their final match of the tournament on March 1 but are still in India, while South Africa have also been unable to leave after their semi-final defeat to New Zealand on March 4.In contrast, the England national cricket team returned home shortly after losing their semi-final to India on March 5. The difference in travel timelines has triggered criticism, with many questioning how England managed to depart while other teams remained stuck.One of the most outspoken voices has been former England captain Michael Vaughan, who accused the ICC of favouring certain teams.“All teams in this situation should be treated the same. Just because you are more powerful at the ICC table shouldn’t count,” he said.

Michael Vaughan post

According to a report by BBC, the ICC has strongly denied any suggestion of preferential treatment and clarified that logistical factors alone determined when teams could leave.“Decisions on departure sequencing are being driven solely by airspace availability, aircraft routing permissions, visa requirements and operational safety considerations.“Any suggestion that teams have been prioritised based on anything other than these constraints is incorrect,” BBC quoted an ICC spokesperson.The situation had already drawn attention earlier when West Indies head coach Daren Sammy expressed his frustration on X. In one post he wrote, “I just wanna go home”, before sharing additional messages reflecting the team’s growing impatience.Subsequent reports indicated that arrangements had been made for a chartered flight to take the Caribbean side home, with the team expected to depart later today. South Africa’s squad is also likely to leave India today.The ICC also explained why England were able to travel earlier than the other teams.“For instance, the England team and their staff were able to fly out from Mumbai without restriction due to the route’s airspace being unaffected and flights operating as usual.“The ICC categorically refutes any claims of bias in this or other instances, and has been fully accommodating of specific demands and conditions put forth by teams,” it said.

MUMBAI: The rupee fell to a record low on Monday and closed at 92.33, down 58 paise from Friday’s close of 91.75, as escalating conflict in West Asia pushed crude oil prices to around $119 a barrel and triggered foreign capital outflows from oil-importing markets seeking safer assets. The currency touched a record low of around 92.35 during the session, pressured by rising oil prices, a stronger dollar, and foreign portfolio outflows, while central bank intervention through dollar selling likely helped limit steeper losses.Crude oil prices surged above $100 a barrel, reaching levels last seen in mid-2022 and increasing pressure on oil-importing Asian economies. Several regional currencies also weakened sharply, with some touching record lows as investors reassessed risks linked to higher energy costs and geopolitical tensions.

“India imports nearly half of its total energy needs, including crude oil, gas, fertilisers and edible oils. That exposure becomes a major risk when global prices rise sharply. Roughly speaking, every one-dollar increase in the price of crude adds about $1.8 billion to India’s annual import bill. If crude were to rise by about $50 a barrel, the additional cost could reach close to $90 billion, which is more than 2% of GDP,” said Neelkanth Mishra, chief economist, Axis Bank. He said that if prices remain elevated for an extended period, it would create a significant distortion in the balance of payments. Even if the increase were closer to $50 billion rather than $90 billion, the strain would still be substantial. In the near term, prices could move even higher as tensions build, he said.He said the conflict could be short lived because it does not serve the interests of major powers such as the United States or China to allow it to drag on. “What we are likely seeing is a phase of brinkmanship that may last a few weeks—perhaps four to six weeks—before some form of resolution emerges,” he said.

Veteran Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad expressed his frustration after India national cricket team won the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, beating New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs in a one-sided final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India posted 255 runs and bowled out New Zealand for 159, setting several records along the way.Shehzad criticized Pakistan’s cricket system, saying that while Pakistan has plenty of talent, it lacks the structure and discipline seen in India.

He highlighted players like Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, who were given few opportunities before the T20 World Cup but became match-winners. Samson was even named Player of the Tournament.“Pakistan has a lot of talent. There is no lack of talent. The flaw is in our system. What is there in India? There is both talent and system. You can see that through talent and system, players are being produced. Who is this player? This is Sanju Samson, who never gets a chance. He has become the man of the series in the World Cup. This is Ishan Kishan, who rarely plays. Discipline is such that he was also put aside. He has just come here after performing in domestic cricket,” Shehzad said on the Haarna Mana Hai show in Pakistan.He also praised Abhishek Sharma, who scored 52 runs in 21 balls in the final under pressure.Shehzad criticized Pakistan for celebrating wins against lower-ranked teams like Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Kenya. “Now, what level of cricket are you playing in Pakistan? And you just keep doing this, calling Zimbabwe and beating them, calling Kenya and beating them, calling Uganda and beating them.” Shehazad added.Shehzad even suggested that Pakistan should have separate ICC rankings against weaker teams like Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Uganda, instead of competing against top teams like India, Australia, and England.“Make our rankings separate, in which there is only Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe,” he concluded.

India’s historic T20 World Cup 2026 triumph produced many unforgettable moments, but one video that quickly went viral featured Ishan Kishan celebrating the title win with his girlfriend Aditi Hundia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

As the celebrations continued past midnight, the stadium was still buzzing with excitement when a heartwarming scene unfolded on the field. Kishan, draped in the Indian tricolour after helping India secure the title, shared an emotional embrace with Hundia, who had come down from the stands to join the jubilant players. The candid moment, captured by cameramen and widely circulated on social media, became one of the defining moment of India’s third T20 World Cup victory.

A night of glory and celebration for Team India

The celebrations followed a memorable performance from Kishan in the final. Coming in at number three after the early dismissal of Abhishek Sharma, the left-handed batter played a crucial role in building India’s massive total.

Kishan smashed 54 runs off just 25 balls, striking four boundaries and four sixes. His aggressive knock provided the momentum India needed and helped power the team to 255 for 5, the highest total ever recorded in a T20 World Cup final. The innings marked his third half-century of the tournament and played a key role in India’s commanding 96-run victory over New Zealand.

Adding to the moment was the presence of Aditi Hundia in the stands throughout the match. The Jaipur-based model was spotted several times on the live broadcast cheering enthusiastically for the Indian team. Dressed casually in a red tank top and denims, she was seated among family members of other Indian players, including Abhishek Sharma’s sister Komal.

Once India sealed the win, the celebrations spilled onto the field. Hundia made her way from the stands onto the iconic Ahmedabad pitch, navigating through the sea of jubilant players and support staff. When she finally reached Kishan, the two shared a warm embrace as the wicketkeeper-batter stood proudly wrapped in the Indian flag.

😍”चलो ना उधर” pic.twitter.com/KcopnCRKVa

— Magadh Updates (@magadh_updates) March 9, 2026

Fans on social media quickly labeled the moment the “perfect ending to a perfect night.” Videos from the celebrations also showed Hundia joining other players and their companions during the post-match festivities, including dancing alongside Hardik Pandya and his partner Mahieka Sharma.

Ishan Kishan was seen dancing and sharing a kiss with his girlfriend, Aditi Hundia. 💃❤️pic.twitter.com/Bbw0QyQlpf

— Magadh Updates (@magadh_updates) March 9, 2026

Also READ: Explained – Why Gautam Gambhir thanked Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman after India’s T20 World Cup 2026 title triumph?

“I dedicate this win to her:” Ishan Kishan

The celebrations also carried a deeper emotional layer for Kishan. Just two days before the final, tragedy struck his family when his cousin sister Vaishnavi Singh and her husband Ritik Singh died in a car accident in Siliguri while traveling to attend a wedding.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Kishan chose to stay with the team and play the final. After the match, he revealed the emotional burden he had carried onto the field.

“To be honest, before the game, I lost my cousin sister yesterday in a car accident. I played well for her. I spoke to Hardik bhai, he said to put the team ahead. I dedicate this win to her, and today is Women’s Day, so it makes it all the more special,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion.

Also READ: President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulate India on clinching the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 title