JOIN USFree software edge to forge ahead
While it is common for students to have the energy and idealism, Adarsh has something more that could possibly offer him a head-start in his career: a project to focus on.
The eighth semester computer science student from MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT) has been a regular contributor to the project to create a disaster management system that could help reach out to people caught in natural calamities like earthquakes and cyclones.
“The project was born out of the 2004 tsunami, when aid agencies had problems reaching out to the victims. A few of us have been working with the development team and have even fixed a bug,” Adarsh explains, a proud smile lighting up his face.
The project Adarsh and his fellow students at MSRIT have been working on is based on Free Software concepts which, according to the students, “is where we find one of the most open platforms for knowledge sharing.”
Free Software, which is explained as the freedom to access the source code, modify the software, share and customise it by the users, not only gives students the much-needed hands-on experience in development and testing of software in the Free Software space, but also could initiate them into projects.
“Lack of quality teaching staff and good experience on software have been one of the major issues with freshers walking out of colleges with an engineering degree,” said S Senthil, Convenor, Free Software Movement of Karnataka (FSMK), the community of software engineers instrumental in taking Free Software ideals to educational institutions.
“Of course, many proprietary vendors go to institutions these days, but the difference we bring is the almost community approach to grooming students to build a value for themselves amongst software engineers.”
Besides MSRIT, there are other colleges in Bangalore — CMRIT, Yellamma Dasappa Institute of Technology, Mount Carmel, New Horizon etc — who have also created what the movement calls GLUG or Gnu-Linux User Groups in their campuses with active support and guidance from FSMK.
The movement also visits colleges, explaining to their management and students how the use of Free Software can help colleges save license money and help develop the skill levels of their students. Senthil said support from the management was critical to the process.
Youth appeal
“It is harder to convince them in the beginning, but once they see the enthusiasm amongst their students, they gradually get to understand the idea,” he said. Dr K Rajanikanth, principal of MSRIT, said he didn’t require much persuasion since he knew about the benefits of Free Software during his stint with the Visvesvaraiah Technological University which has about 170 colleges affiliated to it.
“We have nothing against proprietary software, but Free Software gives students and colleges a choice which they are inclined to take, given the benefits,” Rajanikanth said. “Our move to promote Free Software became much easier after we got autonomy. The process of converting everything to Free Software platform began slowly but once the faculty and students started to show interest, it picked up.”
Institutions like CMRIT (Chikka Munniappa Reddy Institute of Technology) also gradually took up Free Software. “The entire IT system of our college now runs in Free Software,” said Prabodh, a lecturer in the Computer Science department, who has been working with the head of the department Sudhakar in the college’s conversion to Free Software.
Hands-on learning
“We did face opposition initially when we started about four years ago. It only takes the faculty and students to get used to the Gnu-Linux operating system and all the free tools we use with them. Now everyone is comfortable using it and the management has come all-out in support,” Prabodh said.
The most important advantage for students is that they can play around with the software in whichever way they want. “We can examine the source code — which is the DNA of any software — and study how the series of codes controls and runs a computer,” said Abhinav, a Computer Science student from CMRIT.
“If we want a tool, we just have to find it online and download it without having to worry about license cost since it is free download. We also have the community to support us in clarifying our doubts and almost hand-holding us in working with various components of technology,” said Mohan, another Computer Science student.
CMRIT has about 300 students, while MSRIT has about 150. “We keep inviting our alumni and remain in touch with them. If we were to count them as part of our community, the figures will be nearly 600,” Adarsh said.
Though MSRIT has an elective in Free Software, Senthil said FSMK is working to introduce it in other colleges. He also said that his movement has plans to mentor students through projects and help them make more substantial contributions than what they do currently.
“Most of us are volunteers who work in MNCs and want to do something to enhance the quality of IT manpower in the country. All that we can invest is time and skills. The Free Software Movement provides the right platform for us to make this contribution,” he said, adding that nearly 25 of FSMK members are preparing to lead projects in various colleges as mentors.
CMRIT students, meanwhile, are preparing to work on ORCA, a screen-reading software used by the visually challenged on Ubuntu (Linux) which needs further enhancements. “We are also creating a whole new desktop environment for engineering students to work entirely on Gnu-Linux,” Abhinav said.
MSRIT conducts Mukthi, an annual developer event to work with GLUGs from across the City and interact with those working on specific platforms. CMRIT also holds monthly events to create an environment of learning for students.
Senthil believes the activities would stand the students in a good stead in finding jobs. With companies like Google and Fedora coming out to select interns to work with them for a sizable scholarship, he said interest in Free Software would soon spread to other colleges.