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Aim to harness tech for everyone's benefit: Teen coder-author Paarth Arya
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Vishnu Makhijani | 20 Sep, 2021
Hes all of 17 but his language is that of a Computer Science pro. He
played chess at the national level in the Under-7 category, is disturbed
at the "huge challenge" of the digital divide, hopes that his debut
book on software programming for beginners is a "great way to start your
coding journey" and in five years from now, aims to be in a position
where he is "well-equipped to harness technology for the benefit of
everyone".
Paarth Arya, a Class 12 student of DPS Gurugram, of
which he is the Head Boy, ascribes all this to his grandfather, a
teacher of Mathematics, to whom he has dedicated "The Python Champions
of Coding" (Wisdom Tree).
"My grandfather was a Math teacher. I
believe I inherited a liking for Math from him, as also the spirit of
sharing. I dedicated my book to him. I have memories of my first day at
school, where, while other children around me were glum, some of them
even crying, I was busy counting all of them on my fingers," Arya told
IANS in an interview.
"I think the common factor between Math and
Computer Science is the problem-solving approach. Actually, before my
interest in Math organically developed into an interest in Computer
Science, I first developed an interest in chess, which I played at the
national level in the Under-7 category. I guess chess became a bridge
between Math and Computer Science," he added.
The book, in a way, is pandemic-inspired.
"Online
schooling meant I had more time on hand, which I utilized by taking up
free online courses in Computer Science. One particular course, CS50
from Harvard University left a deep impression on me. It is sharp, smart
and still simple. It made me think why couldn't our books, especially
in Computer Science, be like that? In lower classes, we are still made
to learn the definition of a floppy disk!
"At the same time,
reading about the huge challenge of the digital divide left me
disturbed. I saw an opportunity to solve both problems by writing this
book. So the book is simple and clutter-free and is available in all
formats -- physical book, e-book and free videos on YouTube. And all my
royalties will be used to buy devices to enable digital education for
students who can't afford it. I am aware that the difference I may make
may be only to a very few students and we have millions in need, but at
least I would have made a start," Arya explained.
"My target is to ensure online education for 100 students through my earnings from the book," he added, rather modestly.
Given his depth of knowledge, the book took him just five months and six drafts to complete.
"I
first made a mind map about the topics that needed to be covered in a
beginner's level book. I wrote several simple codes and cross-checked if
some principles were getting used that I had missed including in the
content plan. Thereafter, I wrote the first draft of the book.
"Once
the draft was ready, I took feedback on its different parts from my
friends and juniors. The feedback helped me make it simpler and plug any
gaps. Then I decided to do a study of similar books available in the
market. Not many by Indian authors were available that treated the
subject like I wanted to, which encouraged me further. The whole process
took me five months and it took six drafts to finalise the book.
Python, on which the book is based, is a very popular and simple programming language, he said.
"It's
a great way to start your coding journey, be it as a child or as an
adult. Its syntax is similar to the English language, which makes it
very easy to use and master. I have tried to capture all the basics of
Python in a fun and friendly manner with many fun practice activities,"
Arya elaborated.
Not one to rest on his laurels, he's already planning a sequel
"Yes,
I have a sequel in mind - a supplementary book that will have
activities and projects for the beginner level so that young learners
can understand the actual applications of programming," he said.
Where does he see himself, for instance, five years from now?
"After
five years, I want to be in a position where I am well-equipped to
harness technology for the benefit of everyone. I believe technology is
inherently inclusive and can solve the problems that get created because
of its lack of access. Both, through the enhancement of my skills by
becoming a computer scientist and through a better understanding of the
ecosystem in which technology works, I would like to make a difference
in the lives of citizens who generally are the last in reaping the
benefits of technology," Arya concluded.
May he be a beacon to all youngsters of his age -- and even the not so young!
(Vishnu Makhijani can be reached at vishnu.makhijani@ians.in)
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