Gouri Chindarkar – Computer Engineering Student from India

As one of the first children to learn through a system called “School in the Cloud,” Gouri Chindarkar is thankful for the confidence she has gained. She originally learned about the program from a mentor, Ann Thomas, who is an American.

The SOLE Program or Self Organized Learning Environment gives children, like Gouri, the chance to learn through self-directed education. This is important for children who live in troubled areas or remote places where a good teacher is not always available. Gouri Chindarkar is from Sangli located in Maharashtra, India, which is rural area without a lot of amenities.

Chindarkar spoke Marathi, but her lessons were delivered online in English, which made it a bit challenging at first. However, the program allows students to focus on areas that they are interested in and to problem solve and work out the right answer. In most cases, children find a way and prove to be more creative and smarter than we give them credit for.

In fact, Chindarkar has gone on to study at the Kankavali campus of Mumbai University and obtained a degree in Computer Engineering. In 2016, she was named one of the 100 most influential women in the world by BBC.

The name Gouri is unisex and is a rare Indian name. The name is a diminutive of Guari and means “white” in Sanskrit. However, others believe that the name is meant for girls and means “Mount Everest,” “highest,” or “shining” in the Hindu language.