Hi Snehal,
Thanks a lot. The statement looks good. I think we can post the statement on a separate page and link our article to that page for details rather than shortening it.
The statement mentions the word 'FOSS' for free software which we do not prefer. He mentions these software as freedom-respecting software and other software as non-free software, and so I think that your department stands for freedom(and not "open-source"). Just note that if you prefer freedom as the statement does, it is important that we use the term 'free software' and not 'FOSS'.
Is it just your department which is dedicated to free software or the whole institute?
What is the motivation behind your department insisting exclusively on free software?
Writing the motivation would be nice.
Thanks a lot!