Plug and play

Pune Linux Users' Group encourages people to use and play with open source software

Back in 1999, when people in the city were just becoming aware of the Internet, Gautam Godse founded the Pune Linux Users' Group (PLUG) for those who loved to play with open source software.

Soon, the Internet was to become all the rage in the city, and PLUG grew hand-in-hand with it. Today the group boasts of a very active mailing list of about 1,000, and a membership of about 500.

This group swears by Linux, an open source software that has come to be associated with the classes among the Internet-using masses.

Sudhanwa Jogalekar (46), one of the founder members of PLUG, points out how many academic institutions like the IITs use Linux.

"It (Linux) is free, but not free as in a free beer or cola. This free is about freedom. You can download the software free. The basic approach is different... It's a different philosophy and ideology," says Jogalekar. "What makes any software free is the source code is available, so you can modify and distribute it."

Members of PLUG meet once a month to do what they enjoy doing most -- exchange ideas and help one another out with difficulties. The group also holds training programmes for students and teachers.

Manjusha Joshi, a faculty member at a mathematics research institute who is in her 40s, says, "I joined PLUG in 2003 and through it I learnt about free mathematical software."

At 70, Mukund Joshi is not only the seniormost member of PLUG but also among its most enthusiastic. Joshi, who returned to India after a long stint in the US, says, "I have spent 10 years in PLUG and was attracted by the social responsibility angle and the lack of profit motive."

To join PLUG, download the form from the website of the group, plug.org.in.