Computer science graduate at 14

Shailendra Varma, 14, has become the youngest computer science graduate in India. At 12 he got admission to the Bachelor of Computer Applications course in Lucknow University but was unable to pay the fees. Various persons and organizations helped him to pay for the fees.

When the results of the bachelor of computer applications (BCA) were declared on Thursday evening, Shailendra scored 66.6 per cent marks. Bharti Foundation had extended long-term support to Shailendra by announcing sponsorship of his higher education. The foundation had gifted him a high-end computer and a monthly stipend along with his fees for his masters degree.

“I want to pursue higher studies and make a career in software development,” he said softly after his results were declared.

“My father is a fourth-class employee at a local school but he has always encouraged us to study further. He was most upset when I could not go to the Mexico University for advanced study in computers in 2006 due to lack of resources, even though my admission had been cleared. I want to complete my education and stand on my feet so that my father gets some respite,” he says.

Shailendra’s younger sister Sushma (photo in the right) is also a child prodigy, having just passed her high school examination at the age of seven.

The boy, however, does not believe that he and his sister are extraordinary children. “There are many others like us. We do not need charity, we need opportunity,” he says in a matter-of-fact tone.

The vice-chancellor of the Lucknow University has assured all possible help to Shailendra in pursuing higher studies. “If the family needs, we can provide them a place to stay on the new campus and I will also talk to IIM Lucknow and see if they can help the boy,” the vice-chancellor said. (link | via)

Update: Found this photo of Shailendra Varma with his seven-year-old sister Sushma (left), who recently cleared the Class 10 examination of the UP Board, in Lucknow on Friday (source).