A few activists from Bangalore decided to build the free software movement in Karnataka on the lines of a mass movement rather then the anarchist approach that existed in the global free software movement. These activists started working with pre-existing groups such as FSUG-Bangalore and FSF-India since the end of 2005 and were part of organising several activities and programs such as the GPLv3 conference in 2006, protests and programs related to patents in software, forming GLUGs in local engineering colleges, community computing centres, national conventions among others.
With the pro-mass-movement activists intensifying activities across the state of Karnataka, there was a disagreement among certain members in the pre-existing community on the use of the mass movement approach and this disagreement intensified over the period of several years. With no other option to solve the dilemma in organisational approach the activists decided to start another organisation. Finally, on 7th April 2009 FSMK was announced to the world via an announcement to various mailing lists. and its objectives and organisational approach were clearly specified.
With similar organisations coming up in other states of the country, there was a need to have a coordinating body at the national level. The first option was to get FSF-India to lead this movement at the national level. However, Richard Stallman intervened and stated that FSF-India was not intended to have a democratic organisational structure to lead a democratic peoples' movement and hence advised on starting alternate bodies to do the needful. The formation of FSMI was announced in the valedictory function of the National Free Software Conference - 2010 held in Bangalore during 20–21 March 2010.
We, the Free Software Movement Team having been consistently working to build the Free Software Movement in Karnataka, have decided to consolidate our efforts by forming an organisation. Our work has been built on the work of the pioneers of Free Software in the country.
After much deliberation, we have decided to name our organisation the 'Free Software Movement - Karnataka' to symbolise the all inclusiveness of the Movement. What differentiates us from other groups, organisations or networks is our approach to building the Movement. Our scientific understanding is that only a 'mass movement' in the FOSS domain can bring about the various changes that we envision. To build such a mass movement, a democratic, transparent, representative and dynamic organisation is essential.
We understand that to address the various challenges before the Free Software Movement it is essential to have broad based coordination among the various entities operating in the FOSS domain, in conformance with our principles. It should be noted that we are not affiliated to FSF-I or any other entity, at present. We represent the Free Software Movement. Prof Eben Moglen and RMS have been our inspiration.
The Convener is Senthil S.(9900262828) senthilsos@yahoo.com and Jt. Convener is Vikram Vincent (9448810822) vincentvikram@gmail.com
This core team is supported by a group of academicians, people from the industry and students from around Karnataka.
We present the 'Free Software Movement - Karnataka (FSMK)' http://fsmk.org http://fsmk.in
Mass movement : is a word with comes from geology. It is the geomorphic process by which soil, regolith, and rock move down slope under the force of gravity.
Mass movement can be over varying timescales from seconds to years.
Mass movement may occur at a very slow rate, particularly in areas that are very dry or those areas that receive sufficient rainfall such that vegetation has stabilised the surface.
It may also occur at very high speed, such as in rock slides or landslides.
We aim to be a MASS MOVEMENT in FREE SOFTWARE
We would like to be a group of hacktivists - who can be catalysts in reaching the idea of free software to a large number of people - including the people who don't have hardware - by giving them free hardware to start with.
Whether the mass movement in free software in India is going to be rapid or slow - is going to depend on You Waking up to the philosophy of free software.