Free Software Movement-Karnataka Academicians Chapter

Free software or swatantra/libre software is the collection of software that can be used, studied, and
modified without restriction, and can also be copied and redistributed in modified or unmodified forms
either without restriction, or with minimal restrictions only to ensure that further recipients are also
guranteed these freedoms.

The Free Software Movement was conceived in 1983 by Richard Stallman to make these freedoms
available to every computer user. Since Swatantra software may be freely redistributed, it generally is
available at little or no cost.

This nature of Swatantra software has given enormous innovative potential for students to increase
their technical capabilities. Today, world wide a large number of students and programmers contribute
to GNU/Linux.

We, at FSMK are a team of individuals mostly from the IT and Education sectors involved in various
Swatantra software related technical activities in Karnataka. Our interests reside in strengthening the
technical skills of students, academicians and professionals using the various possibilities of Swatantra
software.

We, in the process of strengthening the Society in this regard are trying to individually strengthen the
essential sections, like the students, academicians, professionals and general public.

The Academic chapter of FSMK is proposed to be a statewide organization of faculty from various
engineeering colleges with a strong interest in Swatantra software. The goal of the Academic chapter is
to provide a “springboard” for members pursuing professional pathways within the field of computer
science and evangelising the cause of Swatantra software through a variety of activities including
seminars and networking opportunities.

This would serve as a platform to propagate FSMK's agenda of creating an awareness about Swatantra
software and also to take up Swatantra software to the academia enlightening them as to why Swatantra
Software is an ethical and beneficial choice for academic institutions and the people involved. As the
chapter grows, increased collaboration among Universities across the state is anticipated, leading to
further expansion of opportunities considered crucial to the successful growth
of Swatantra Software in the State of Karnataka.

We urge you to proactively involve in the activities pertaining to Swatantra Software for mutual well
benefit. We wish to highlight a few more important points to convey the importance of adopting
Swatantra Software and forming an Academicians Chapter.

Why join the academic chapter?

If you are inclined towards knowing the latest technology trends around you then this is the right place
as we are creating a discussion group of people from various Swatantra software domains. We can link
you up with various dignitaries in your area of interest to help carry out research.

Do you want to make a significant change at your institution?

We will help you switch to Swatantra Software there by saving institution's money which is wasted on
buying proprietary licences.

A complete stack of Swatantra software for the Computer science to teach and handle various courses
and labs is available and similar software stack for other discipilines is in the pipeline.

We would help you to develop indegenous software for inhouse operations at your institution( such as
campus automation etc).

How will it benefit me as an academician?

Apart from increasing your knowledge, delivery skills can also be improved by using software such as
moodle. The chapter will also provide a platform for academicians to discuss problems faced by the
academia and to arrive at solutions through a healthy debate. Faculty can also share the best practices
they follow at their institutions as well.

It increases the prospects of gaining credible projects for yourselves and students. Immense
opportunities of research as Swatantra Software opens a new arena. Good opportunities of meeting
quality Research guides from Elite institutions and successful industries

Course specific specialisation tools, like Octave,Scilab, for Electronics, Telecommunication and
Electricals, CAD tools for Mechanical, apart from the generally useful tools like GCC, GDB, python,
LAMP etc... can be discussed and learnt through such a forum.

Opportunities of growing creatively using Media tools like audacity, GIMP,blender,and numerous
other tools.

What is the role of FSMK in this Chapter?

FSMK would facilitate organization of inter-chapter activities, and regional level recognization for the
contribution of the Chapters, and Chapter members towards FSM. Different levels of memberships
based on the accomplishments shall be provided by FSMK, like organizations like IETE and IEEE.

Have such Chapters been been tried out previously?

In Karnataka this would be the first of such attempts. But,there are already many instances giving
positive proofs of "Synergy between the student and the academician chapters in Technical institutions
"manifesting the potential of such chapters. The Kerala Govt. Teachers Union is an inspiring example
demonstrating the potential of such groups. This group has successfully converted their entire system
“Free-Free as in Freedom” by switching to Swatantra Software. They have also built their own
applications and come up with an FS based learning in Govt. Schools.

Lastly and importantly,

Swatantra Software is the future, and for the future to be ours, we need to become a part of it. Forming
this Chapter and being a part of it is the best opportunity for such an association.