In the small town of Sanchore, Rajasthan, 19-year-old Gopi Kishan Bishnoi has emerged as a beacon of resilience, securing a spot in the Google Summer of Code (GSoC) 2025 with a stipend of ₹2.55 lakh. His selection to work on a fintech web application for the Mifos Initiative marks a remarkable turnaround from a challenging past, proving that setbacks can pave the way for extraordinary success.
Gopi’s journey began with a familiar dream for many Indian students:
cracking the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) for admission to a prestigious engineering college. However, his school years were marred by struggles with mathematics, a subject that felt like an insurmountable barrier. Determined to succeed, Gopi joined the intense coaching ecosystem in Kota, Rajasthan, known for its high-pressure JEE preparation. The grueling schedule and fierce competition took a toll. When his low JEE rank dashed his hopes, Gopi sank into depression, feeling lost and mentally exhausted. Uncertain about his future, he returned home to Sanchore, carrying the weight of disappointment.
After depression, A fresh Start
Rather than giving up, Gopi chose a fresh start. He enrolled at Polaris School of Technology, a place that offered him a supportive environment to rediscover his potential. Free from the relentless pressure of physics and chemistry, Gopi found his true passion: coding. The school’s nurturing space allowed him to explore programming, experiment with open-source projects, and build a portfolio that showcased his growing skills. What began as a tentative step soon became a full-fledged love for software development.
Selected In 73 Countries and 1220 contributors
Gopi’s dedication paid off when he was selected for GSoC 2025, joining 1,220 contributors from 73 countries to work with 195 open-source organizations. His project with the Mifos Initiative, focused on financial inclusion, aligns with his desire to use technology for social good. The ₹2.55 lakh stipend is a significant reward, but the real prize is the opportunity to collaborate with global mentors, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to a project with real-world impact.
He Is Inspiration For Many Students
Gopi’s story resonates with countless students from small towns who face limited resources and societal pressure to follow conventional paths. His struggles in Kota highlight the mental health challenges of India’s competitive exam culture, while his recovery underscores the power of resilience and self-discovery. Today, Gopi is not just coding—he’s dreaming bigger than ever. He aims to create innovative apps, launch websites, and someday build his own tech company, bringing pride to Sanchore and inspiring others to chase their ambitions.
From the despair of a low JEE rank to the triumph of GSoC, Gopi Kishan Bishnoi’s journey is a testament to the idea that failure is not the end but a detour to a brighter path. As he builds, learns, and grows, his story is just beginning, promising a future where his code could change the world.