[Fsf-india] Richard Stallman Talk in Mumbai on Sat Mar 23 (fwd)

CK Raju ckra@vsnl.net
Thu, 14 Mar 2002 08:12:38 +0530


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>which in combination with the kernel Linux is now used by an
>estimated 17 to 20 million users world wide.

>>system".  The system in question, the system that Debian and Red Hat
>>distribute, the system that 20 million people use, is basically the

I think we hit these figures way back in 1998. I remember the figure bein=
g=20
quoted over 90 million in early 2000. (IDC estimates)

It could well be nearing 200m mark, with the kind of yeoman services that=
 the=20
magazines are offering, carrying CDs alongwith the publication.=20

Maybe someone influential, residing at Delhi should try and convince maga=
zine=20
houses to carry more such themes on Free Software. (The vanishing of PCQu=
est=20
July 2001 issue, after it carried the RH7.1 CDs can be quoted as an examp=
le.)=20
Let's strengthen the area where the theme can be easily sold and concentr=
ate=20
more there.

Such themes can be easily carried across to people's representatives who =
work=20
at grassroot level, as at that point of time, the philosophy is easily=20
accepted.

In January this year, the Panchayat Committee at Pattenchery Grama Pancha=
yat=20
in Palakkad district, Kerala has adopted a resolution, favouring use of F=
ree=20
Software in the Panchayat (and more importantly, forbidding use of=20
proprietary software within its office). The secretary of the GP can be=20
reached at hitharamanunni@rediffmail.com. (Tele : 0492 332244-office) To =
me,=20
this is a landmark, and we should be seeing more such acts soon.=20

I also had the opportunity at amplifying this action to a representation =
from=20
UK (representation of local bodies). It appeared like selling 'Ice to the=
=20
Eskimos' while I was explaining the European Union's theme to them. The C=
LGF=20
(Commonwealth Local Govt Forum) representation were planning to have an=20
e-procurement system using proprietary software.

CK Raju


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