[smc-discuss] Fwd: Fwd: [DAKF] DAKF സംസ്ഥാന സമ്മേളനം - ഒന്നാം അനുബന്ധ പരിപാടി - കോട്ടയത്തു്.

[Santhosh Thottingal]

ജോസഫ് തോമസിന്റെ മറുപടി താഴെക്കൊടുക്കുന്നു.
-സന്തോഷ് തോട്ടിങ്ങല്‍


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Joseph Thomas <thomasatps at gmail.com>
Date: 2011/2/19
Subject: Re: [smc-discuss] Fwd: [DAKF] DAKF സംസ്ഥാന സമ്മേളനം - ഒന്നാം
അനുബന്ധ പരിപാടി - കോട്ടയത്തു്.
To: Santhosh Thottingal <santhosh.thottingal at gmail.com>
Cc: thomas mulloor <mulloorthomas at gmail.com>


Dear Sri. Santhosh,

The program organised at Kottayam is not about 'SMC', the group that
spearheaded work on Malayalam computing  or the work done by that
organisation. It is a program to create awareness on the need to use
Swathanthra Software for Malayalam Computing as also to identify the
problems,  areas of intervention and to mobilise the support of the
Malayalam Linguistic Experts for development of tools for Malayalam
computing. I think, it is a coincidence that they used the name
Swathanthra Malayalam Computing.

I have forwarded the program notice through my mail. At that time I
never thought of this triviality, once raised in case of Maharajas
event. In fact that was one where SMC work was referred in
appreciation. But, the press erroneously reported that SMC was formed
with the slogan of 'My Language for My Computer'.

DAKF and I are all praise for the work done by SMC group. We donot
mean to undermine the importance of the work done by SMC, either. As
far as swathanthra malayalam computing tools are concerned, I think
much remains to be done. Naturally, those words will be used by many,
if not DAKF, in future. I understand that there is a 'Swathanthra
Malayalam Computing' Project of IT Department of Govt of Kerala. Then,
it is not understood, why this hue and cry every time the words are
used for a purpose other than something connected with SMC
organisation ? If we are usurping the right to use the name of smc
organisation, then DAKF and I are at fault.

Do you really object to the use of those three words because SMC is
the name of a group, its website and discussion group. If so tell me,
I can assure you that we in DAKF will not use it just to satisfy you
and to avoid any conflict between us.

As I have communicated to you while we met at Trivandrum, we are not
for any conflict with any of the organisation working for the
propagation of free software. We have due and more respect for FSF,
FSFI, SFLC, SMC, ILugs, FSugs etc. We are only trying to broad base
the movement. This in turn will only help the organisations working
for it. For example, when we talk of Malayalam Computing  using
Swathanthra Software, definitely you are credited with the pioneering
work. Then why should you object to using these words. When we broad
base the Free Software Movement, that many people will come to know of
the great contributions of FSF and even FSFI. I couldnot understand
why even FSFI is opposing us. Is it because we are not belonging to
their political formation ? Are you opposing DAKF because we donot
follow your political ideas.

I, personally,  do have political party preferences. But I do not
thrust upon my political party preferences on others who work in DAKF.
That is the case with every organisation in which I worked and working
now. It is true that a section of those aligned with DAKF are from the
left and the CPI(M). There are others too. Is it not a good thing to
broad base the movement. Let every one of the organisations do the
work. Let the movement grow faster. Let us not waste our energies on
internal bickerings. There are enough threat from the proprietary
lobby. That has to be countered. Our energies are to be diverted to
that instead of creating internal disputes.

Coming to FSMI, I feel those words Free Software Movement will be
referred by many to mean the movement including other organisations. I
donot object to it. In fact it is only a name which others too may
have to use with other purpose. I named my grand daughter Jasmine.
Does it mean that the real Jasmine cannot be referred to by others ?

Any way, I request you not to be get entangled with internal
dissensions within the movement.

Let us work together for the cause of Software Freedom.


Joseph Thomas

.