On Thu, Feb 4, 2010 at 11:54 AM, Mohit Singh <[email protected]> wrote:
> > This is a situation which is different from NASSCOM where they are > repelling only those who use so called 'pirated software'. > The NASSCOMM confab takes place in Mumbai next week. It will be an opportunity to find out whether in fact, NASSCOM (as a formal structured body) prioritises knowledge freedom over the proprietary interests of some of its members. NASSCOM has a place even in AICTE apex body and FOSSCOMM has not even > reached a formal structure. > > Do you seriously equate a 'formal structure' with the ability to propose, debate and advocate a position? Actually, this scenario has been played out before: it is exactly how the tribals in India, the original guardians of the commons, have been sidelined and marginalised, and with them, the status of the commons itself. As the peaceful carriers of non-violent knowledge weapons, we are in an unique position to raise this standard anew. As far as I am concerned, 1. I hope that FOSSCOMM never has to aspire to a 'formal structure' of the NASSCOM kind, and 2. I hope that the AICTE's of the world can graduate to understanding that people (in general, and particularly the people of India) can have a position and express it, without the burden of forming structured organisations in order to state such positions. As an example of how individuals can understand and ably argue in an external forum, supported by intelligent debate and resolution from the collective opinion of many, without being forced to tack themselves into some 'structure', may I take the liberty of recalling a recent exchange. Sunil Abraham had made a representation at some forum, about which persons on this list had some reservations. Sunil clarified and modified his position, following the debate, and this has now moved forward. This worked very well. Similarly, we have examples of micro-actions being taken with state governments in the area of primary and secondary education, again without a documented 'FOSSCOMM', but with our (the members of this list) enthusiastic and evolved support. As against this, when Mr X who was a former head of NASSCOM turned out to be a self-confessed fraudster, the backlash was felt across all of NASSCOM, even the NASSCOM Foundation, which is an independent body aimed at furthering social development. Simply because the idea of debate and advocacy without formalisation is new, does not make it wrong. Actually, it isn't new either, but documented history is largely the record of powermongers, not of events. The Net makes archiving of information democratic, and is the first modern opportunity for humans to evolve equitably as social beings, due to giving a voice to the once-silent majority. -- Vickram http://communicall.wordpress.com
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