[FSUG-Bangalore] Microsoft to set up university in (Bangalore)city

[Nirmal Thacker]

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 at 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
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>
>
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