Friends, Most of the students wish to learn GPL'd softwares from Universities. But unfortunately many of the universities in Kerala(and in India) are not offering such courses. The Kannur University is a role model in this case. The University is offering Post Graduate programmes in Swathanthra Software right from the year 2000. The courses offered are M Sc(Computer Science) and MCA(Master in Computer Applications). The syllabus of these two courses are based on GPL'd software. Only one paper is there in the whole course which has a proprietary nature(Microsoft Architecture and VC++(theory only)). Some of the prominent topics covered are Linux administration, PostgreSQL, BIND, Apache, Etherboot, Squid, Samba, Linux Kernel, TCP/IP, Socket Programming etc... The labs are arranged with GNU/Linux OS(RedHat and Mandrake).

The disappointing matter here is that these courses are in a phase of disintegration. The University authorities are now trying to change the syllabus completely to Proprietary nature due to some external pressures. In my knowledge, some of the faculty members are also trying to topple the course. Many of the Kannur University centres are being shut down due to lack of students. I think the main reason is the lack of publicity(and funds). Earlier there were some protests in changing the syllabus from the students itself. Many students are unaware of the fact that the university is offering such a course. My request to the list members is that please take over this matter(if relevant) to as many lists as possible so that those who are interested can join the course. It's a nice opportunity to learn Swathanthra Software. I think the ?Free Software Community? may have some interest in such courses.Those who need the syllabus of these course contact me. regards Manilal