Hello!
Not to Worry! Microsoft has no varsity plans for Bangalore! Surprisingly on 12th July it made headlines on TOI , but on 13th July TOI had a small column running on page 19 - "Microsoft has no varsity plans".
Blame it on the newspapers! Carry on tux!
Cheers! Nirmal
On 7/15/07, Vikram Vincent vincentvikram@gmail.com wrote:
Hello, Is this a sign that the Free Software Movement is growing in Bangalore??? I think that we need to seriously reassess our Movement and work to build it further and faster. Bangalore has a *huge* potential to build the Movement and it only needs us to put in our 2 drops of sweat.
"BANGALORE: Microsoft Corporation has chosen Bangalore for its first-ever exclusive and independent educational venture in the world. The company will set up a university in the city to impart high-end computer education. The university may well be India's first run by a multinational company." http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2196363.cms
Continuing I have some observations on the issue. With education becoming a multi-billion dollar industry and India occupying a huge part of that pie the proposed entry of a "University of Microsoft" assumes a huge significance particularly since the effects of rampant commercialisation of education is becoming more and more obvious. So how is this argument significant on a Free Software list? Well, while the Supreme Court declared that the 112 private universities set up under the Chattisgarh Private Universities Act were illegal, this was only on technical grounds. It was on the grounds that the UGC was not consulted, nor were the guidelines to set up a Pvt University followed. However, we are witnessing efforts by the Govt. to remove these hurdles and allow FDI(foreign direct investment) in education. Now personally I have experienced the effects of commercialisation of education with my college where I started my Engineering studies being forced to close shop due to the lack of basic facilities. While a "University of Microsoft" may provide ideal conditions for "education" it will set a precedent for other fly-by-night operators to come here and set shop.
The Kothari commission of 1964 correctly elucidates the basic objectives and functions of universities and their role in national life: "A university stands for humanism, for tolerance, for reason, for the adventure of ideas and for the search of truth. It stands for the onward march of the human race towards even higher objectives. If the universities discharge their duties adequately, then it is well with the nation and the people... Their principal object is to deepen man's understanding of the universe and himself - in body mind and spirit, to disseminate this understanding throughout society and to apply it in the service of mankind... They are the dwelling places of ideas and idealism, and expect high standards of conduct and integrity from all the members.. Theirs is the pursuit of truth and excellence in all its diversity"
Now IMHO this captures the essence of the "University of Free Software".
The FSF needs to act immediately and come out a detailed stand on the issue. Perhaps the FSF-I leadership could throw more light on the issue.
-- Regards Vikram Vincent +919448810822 Project Engineer, NRCFOSS, AU-KBC http://groups.google.com/group/bangalore_alive/ http://fci.wikia.com/wiki/Campaign_to_promote_free_software_in_karnataka _______________________________________________ FSUG-Bangalore mailing list FSUG-Bangalore@mm.gnu.org.in http://mm.gnu.org.in/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fsug-bangalore