KIIT_CSE_IT

Guerrilla-Warfarefor Gyaan Date: 09 February 2004. Version: 0.1. License: FDL (www.gnu.org) Copyright 2004 Niyam Bhushan. www.niyam.com. Published under the Free Documentation License (FDL). More info about FDL at www.gnu.org Why is free software, that is both muft and mukt, not being adopted so widely and rapidly in schools and colleges across India? Please do a google-search for the phrase 'project shiksha and linux'. You

In Hindi, 'Gyaan' means 'Knowledge' but the word has roots in sanskrit, where it also is the root for both knowledge and meditative-awareness. Interestingly the same sanskrit word travelled to Japan, some believe in the days of Bodhidharma, and became the word 'Zen'.

Which is sad, because muft and mukt software can create a revolution in education today. It significantly lowers the entry-level price, thereby bridging the huge digital divide in India. IT students can learn how software truly works, as they have the freedom to study its source. A growing collection of muft and mukt software is available for all disciplines of education, at all levels. This helps further knowledge without penalizing educators and students. Most importantly, FLOSS in education ushers in a new value system in society: of building communities, creating and sharing wealth and knowledge. Indeed, FLOSS brings freedom to knowledge