A talented programmer, she wants to pursue research work in computer science.
When I started unschooling, that was 4 years back, I explored many different subjects.
Programming was one of them.
There is absolutely no question that Malvikas admission to MIT is based on her superlative achievements at IOI.
However, Malvika is not a product of the system but despite it, Madhavan cleared.
So, when did it all start?
At that time, Malvika was in class VII at Dadar Parsee Youth Assembly School.
Explaining her decision, Supriya says, We are a middle class family.
Happiness is more important than conventional knowledge.
I was working with an NGO that takes care of cancer patients.
I would see students who are in 8th or 9th standard being affected by cancer.
It affected me deeply and I decided that my daughters need to be happy.
The decision no way was an easy one, she added.
It also took some time to convince Malvikas father Raj, an engineer who runs his own business.
My husband Raj wasnt convinced initially as it was a risky proposition.
The kids wont have a 10th or 12th standard certificate and there was bound to be fear.
I quit my NGO job and designed an academic curriculum for Malvika.
I created a simulation (classroom like situation) at home.
The confidence I had as a mother was that I am capable of imparting knowledge in my daughters.
And it worked, Supriya said.
Suddenly I saw that my daughter was so happy.
Knowledge became a passion, the proud mother recalls.
For three consecutive years, she was among the top four students who represented India at the Programming Olympiad.
Madhavan, who prepared Malvika for all three Olympiads, spoke about her brilliance.
For instance, she had never studied matrices.
Supriya rued the undue importance given to marks, qualifications and degrees.
It really weighs down the students.
Children are not meant to feel so emotionally and physically fatigued, she said.
Malvikas journey to MIT was not an easy one, cautioned Supriya.
I just tell them that we never aimed for her admission in MIT.
I tell parents to understand what their children like.
Source:hindustantimes
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