Re: [ILUG-BOM] Sir, the whole country is burning and you are dreaming award for spoken tutorials !

Dear Milind, On 17 January 2016 at 13:15, Milind Oka <oak445(a)gmail.com> wrote: I am happy that the Spoken Tutorials Project (STP) is doing a good job in taking forward FOSS in the larger interest of education in India. In fact the Free Software Movement India (FSMI) executive committee decided to whole-heartedly support Prof. Kannan's nomination as many of our members have experienced the benefit of STP's work. In fact, we are aware of the efforts STP is putting in to influence Govt policy at all levels they have access to. I hope that they are able to continue their work in the years to come. The points you have raised are also important and necessary and I think we can effectively take them forward by trying to understanding them a bit more deeply. While it is important for every individual to put in efforts to bring about change, we need to understand that there are constraints, limitations(individual/organisation) and conditions that one must consider when taking decisions. We also need to come up with platforms and coalitions that are suitable to address the issues raised. In fact, a group of us started Free Software Movement Maharashtra http://www.fsmm.in/ for such a purpose. While we are looking at how companies are proprietising knowledge we also need to critically examine the govt policies that are encouraging these actions. An example from yesterday is the startup policy which the govt has brought out which seems to encourage a potential patent accumulation frenzy. We need to examine the deficits created within society due to those policies and potential solutions that look for deeper solutions rather than simply the symptoms. This way we will be able to address the issue more effectively. I understand your concern that motivates you to take up this issue with zeal and hope that it grows with increased participation from the affected sections of society. Regards -- Vikram Vincent