IMPHAL, Jul 05: FOSS 2009, the mega IT Talent Search and LINUX or Free and Open Source Software gathering organized by Linux Manipur, in association with Department of Computer Science, Manipur University (MU) concluded today with more than 300 students and teachers participating from various school across the state including from Arunachal Pradesh and the day began with IT Talent Search examination.
The show was held at Don Bosco School, Chingmeirong and nine children from all nine districts of the state lighted the ceremonial lamp before beginning of the second session.
Roger Ahongshangbam talked about Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). And it was followed by encouraging speeches by O. Ibomcha, the Head of Department, Computer Science Manipur University, Father PX Francis, Principal of Don Bosco School, S. Tejmani, Reader, Manipur University Computer Science Department and Deepak Shijagurumayum the volunteer of Linux Manipur talked about Linux Manipur and its vision.
Father Francis who feel wonderful to see all the excitement amongst the students around FOSS 2009 believe that the FOSS IT talent search will go a long way in creating a benchmark in the growth of IT in the state of Manipur.
In this computer age everybody should know how to operate a computer said Vitoo Oinam who is pursuing his 10th standard from St. Joseph School a participant of today’s talent search.
While K. Hemabati of Moirang and Heman Kavita of Ningthoukhong said “We aspire to become software engineers and came to give the test. We did not expect the seminars and talks would be there, but we are so happy to attend the seminars from which we learn lots. The question aren’t tough and aren’t easy too but it was moderate. So, we want this event to take place every year.”
Rajkumar Panthoiren who also participated in today’s talent search also maintained the seminar has given more awareness about Linux.
FOSS 2009 showcased and demonstrated Linux installation, conducted technical talks of Linux, video clips of interviews of the legends and pioneers of FOSS and technical quiz. Students from Bishnupur, Imphal East and West, Senapati, Tamenglong, Thoubal, Ukhrul, Chandel and Churachandpur participated in the event.
Having successfully organized two chapters of FOSS in the last two years and seeing the overwhelming response not just from the students and their parents, but also from members, inspired individuals who have come forward with donations, business houses that have supported the event in the last two chapters. We are also determining to bring another chapter of FOSS to the people who matter and the realization that there can be no greater joy than assisting and supporting those who needs exposure to IT and FOSS said S. Deepak a volunteer of Linux Manipur who highlighted about Linux Manipur and its vision.
He further noted that Linux Manipur is a virtual organization, whose primary aims is to create and spread awareness for Linux or FOSS in Manipur and the North East. It focuses and seeks to help and guide the students and computer users, share domain knowledge, discuss technical issues etc.