R. D. Ratna Raju, former Principal of Andhra University and an expert in Quantum Mechanics, participates in a ‘Quantum Summit’ organised to mark the birth anniversary of physicist Albert Einstein, in Vijayawada on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: G.N. RAO
Former principal of Andhra University R.D. Ratna Raju, on Saturday, deliberated upon quantum theory’s interface between mind and brain, emphasising its potential for significant progress in agriculture, medicine and metallurgy through innovative applications.
Speaking at a ‘Quantum Summit’, organised in Vijayawada by former students of quantum physics in Andhra University, to commemmorate the birth anniversary of theoretical physicist Albert Einstein, Prof. Ratna Raju, a physicist with a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and who has made major contributions to quantum mechanics education and nuclear physics research, commended the Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s Quantum Valley initiative, noting its role in bridging quantum foundations to real-world impact.
Prof. Ratna Raju explained that the Quamtum Valley project is built on core principles of quantum physics -superposition, entanglement, and quantum interference, which enable quantum computers to process information far beyond classical computers. Technologies such as IBM’s 156-qubit Heron processor use these principles to explore possibilities and solve complex problems in areas such as cryptography, optimisation and drug discovery.
He said the initiative backed by Mr. Naidu aims to create a complete quantum ecosystem in Amaravati, including hardware manufacturing, software development, and large-scale skill training in quantum science. The project also includes quantum communication technologies based on the no-cloning theorem for ultra-secure networks.
“Overall, the vision is to use real, cutting-edge quantum science to position Andhra Pradesh as a global leader in quantum technology, similar to its earlier push in the IT sector,” he said.
The AU alumni, who included scientists in Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and other major organisations, felicitated Prof. Ratna Raju, noting that his textbook ‘Foundations of Quantum Mechanics’ is widely used in Indian universities for its clear explanations and rigorous mathematical treatment.
The alumni have requested the government to allocate land to them for developing quantum technologies. They proposed to organise an international symposium on Quantum Technologies in Visakhapatnam in August and invite Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to be part of the event.
Those who attended the meeting included former Vice-Chancellor of Vikrama Simhapuri University (VSU) in Nellore district Prof. V. Veeraiah, former Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) and Rector of AU K. Samatha and former Professors from AU V. Bhaskara Rao, M. Puranchandra Rao, K. Hanumantha Rao, D.L. Sastry and K. Chandra Mouli among others.
Published – March 15, 2026 12:51 am IST
