10-05-2025
Indian Techie's Abusive Text After Friend Fails To Qualify For Google Project
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The screenshot shared by Calcote contained a threatening message and abusive language.
A US entrepreneur shared a screenshot alleging that an Indian developer sent him an abusive message after his friend failed to qualify for the 2025 Google Summer of Code (GSoC).
In his initial post on X, Lee Calcote expressed confusion about receiving such a message on LinkedIn. He then humorously commented on its lack of creativity, accuracy (referring to a part of the message), grammar, and effectiveness. He wrote, 'I give him: 4 out of 10 for creativity, 3 out of 10 for accuracy (I will die someday and I am ginger), 0 out of 10 for grammar, and 0 out of 10 for effectiveness."
The screenshot shared by Calcote reportedly contained a threatening message that included Hindi abusive language. Shivansh, whose LinkedIn bio identifies him as 'IndieHacker," also referred to Calcote as 'ginger' in a pejorative way.
I have no idea who @ShivanshxDev is or why he's upset. Didn't get selected for GSoC? I give him:– 4 out of 10 for creativity– 3 out of 10 for accuracy (I will die someday and I am ginger).– 0 out of 10 for grammar– 0 out of 10 for effectiveness — Lee Calcote (@lcalcote) May 9, 2025
In a subsequent update, the X user claimed that the message was sent by the Indian developer on behalf of his friend, Tanishq Maheswari. He further alleged that both the developer and his friend have now been banned from participating in GSoC, LFX, and contributing to any CNCF project.
I might give @ShivanshxDev a point for loyalty to his friend, who wasn't selected and for whom he sent this vulgarity on behalf of but might subtract a creativity point considering their GitHub profiles are a copy of one another – — Lee Calcote (@lcalcote) May 9, 2025
'This sort of behaviour is NOT OKAY in any scenario! Indian students, please understand that when you go out and send some messages, you aren't just representing your character but also the larger Indian tech community. Every action has consequences, not just for you but the people around you too," a user posted.
An individual wrote, 'Students from India used to be the torchbearers of GSoC back in the day. I am really sorry that you had to face this."
'Wow, this is horribly racist and sexist. I am so sorry you had to face this, Lee. This is unacceptable. Sending you lots of love for all the good that it does," another added.
An account remarked, 'You should post a formal message on LinkedIn as well. This type of behaviour should not be tolerated in any kind of organisation. He will learn his lesson."
'I am sorry to see this @lcalcote, I have been part of the Meshery team and can vouch for the kind of positive/encouraging environment you have set up across the teams, and this is an utterly shameful act by the person. We strongly condemn it. Wish the best for you," said a user.
An X user commented, 'Sorry you had to go through this. This is truly disgraceful and disappointing. I've had the privilege of working with Lee and the Meshery project over the past four months, and it has been nothing but super welcoming and collaborative."
Earlier, a similar incident came to light where an individual slammed a company for his 'No South candidates' job posting. It also mentioned that the job, for two techies for an office located in Mumbai's Vikhroli office, was only open to 'male candidates.'
No south candidates. 🤡Check out the reply in the second picture. 🤣 — Mal-Lee (@MallikarjunaNH) May 7, 2025
'We South Indians are not like dogs like you people, who join North Indian companies as if you're working for your family businesses. We can see the mess North Indian chapris coming and begging in South India, but still, we don't treat you like this – even though you are. We're glad that we treat you like humans, because we are from India, not from North Indian chapris," the post read.
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