In a significant academic milestone on International Women’s Day, 57 students, mostly girls, from a remote tribal Government Degree College at Chintapalli appeared for the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) examination on Quantum Computing in Visakhapatnam. Many of these students come from extremely remote backgrounds and could not afford to pay the ₹500 examination fee. In a remarkable gesture of encouragement, the Principal of the college paid the fee from college funds so that these talented students would not miss the opportunity.

Realising that the students are currently writing their semester examinations, the APSCHE Chairman K. Madhu Murthy coordinated with NPTEL and AP Online to arrange a special examination slot on Sunday. “On this significant day, we celebrate not only women’s achievements but also the emergence of future women scientists and technologists from tribal communities,” said Prof. Murthy, adding that it was indeed a Quantum Women’s Day celebration.