'0 out of 10 for grammar’: US founder shares abusive message from Indian developer after GSoC rejection

The screenshot shared by Lee Calcote revealed a threatening message containing Hindi abuses.

Lee Calcote, founder of a US-based technology company, publicly disclosed on X (formerly Twitter) that he received an abusive message via LinkedIn from an Indian developer. Calcote alleged that the message was sent after the developer's friend failed to qualify for the 2025 Google Summer of Code (GSoC).

In his initial post, Calcote expressed confusion over the unsolicited message but responded with humour, stating: "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."

He later updated that the message was sent on behalf of the developer's friend and that both individuals have been banned from participating in GSoC.

The screenshot shared by Calcote revealed a threatening message containing Hindi abuses. The incident sparked reactions on social media, with users condemning the behaviour.

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 pic.twitter.com/a44sOffYUv
Lee Calcote (@lcalcote) May 9, 2025

One user commented: "Students from India used to be the torchbearers of GSoC back in the day. I am really sorry that you had to face this."

Another added: "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."

A third 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."

According to his LinkedIn profile, Calcote holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from California State University. He began his career as a computer science instructor at the University of South Dakota in 1997 and has held various roles in companies including Cisco. In 2020, he founded his own company.