We, the Free Software Movement Team having been consistently working to build the Free Software Movement in Karnataka, have decided to consolidate our efforts by forming an organisation. Our work has been built on the work of the pioneers of Free Software in the country.

After much deliberation, we have decided to name our organisation the 'Free Software Movement - Karnataka' to symbolise the all inclusiveness of the Movement. What differentiates us from other groups, organisations or networks is our approach to building the Movement. Our scientific understanding is that only a 'mass movement' in the FOSS domain can bring about the various changes that we envision. To build such a mass movement, a democratic, transparent, representative and dynamic organisation is essential.

We understand that to address the various challenges before the Free Software Movement it is essential to have broad based coordination among the various entities operating in the FOSS domain, in conformance with our principles. It should be noted that we are not affiliated to FSF-I or any other entity, at present. We represent the Free Software Movement. Prof Eben Moglen and RMS have been our inspiration.

The Convener is Senthil S.(9900262828) senthilsos@yahoo.com and Jt. Convener is Vikram Vincent (9448810822) vincentvikram@gmail.com

This core team is supported by a group of academicians, people from the industry and students from around Karnataka.

We present the 'Free Software Movement - Karnataka (FSMK)' http://fsmk.org http://fsmk.in

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What is a mass movement?

Mass movement : is a word with comes from geology. It is the geomorphic process by which soil, regolith, and rock move down slope under the force of gravity.

Mass movement can be over varying timescales from seconds to years.

Mass movement may occur at a very slow rate, particularly in areas that are very dry or those areas that receive sufficient rainfall such that vegetation has stabilised the surface.

It may also occur at very high speed, such as in rock slides or landslides.

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We aim to be a MASS MOVEMENT in FREE SOFTWARE

We would like be a group of hacktivists - who can be catalysts in reaching the idea of free software to a large number of people - including the people who don't have hardware - by giving them free hardware to start with.

Whether the mass movement in free software in India is going to be rapid or slow - is going to depend on You Waking up to the philosophy of free software.