FREE SOFTWARE HARDWARE MOVEMENT
– puducherry –
Learn | Develop | Share
Who are we?
Free Software Hardware Movement Puducherry (FSHM) is the largest tech community in Puducherry, driven by volunteers and dedicated to promoting Free and Open Source Software (FOSS), Open Hardware, Digital commons, Free Culture, and Knowledge Freedom. Through regional and college-level GLUGs, annual camps, workshops, and seminars, we empower individuals with practical skills and knowledge in FOSS technologies. Our goal is to democratize technology and enable consensual technology for the masses, fostering a more open, inclusive, and equitable digital society.
GLUG‘s
GLUG (GNU/Linux User’s Group) is student-run communities within colleges or universities affiliated with FSHM. They organize workshops, seminars, and projects to empower students with technical skills through FOSS technologies. GLUG provide inclusive environments for students of all levels to learn, share experiences, and network with industry professionals, fostering innovation and knowledge sharing within educational institutions.
Community Projects
FSHM engages in community projects leveraging FOSS tools. It guides college students towards addressing societal needs through final year projects. Notable initiatives include a Weather Station, Mesh Network, and Telescope, aimed at enhancing access to weather data, communication infrastructure, and scientific exploration.
our events
weekly tech meetups
FSHM hosts dynamic tech meetups, fostering an environment where enthusiasts, learners, and professionals converge to discuss cutting-edge advancements in technology. These meetups serve as platforms for knowledge exchange, collaborative problem-solving, and networking. From exploring emerging trends in AI and blockchain to delving into cybersecurity strategies and open-source development methodologies, each meetup is an opportunity to dive deep into the ever-evolving tech landscape.
tech workshops
FSHM’s tech workshops are immersive learning experiences designed to empower participants with practical skills and knowledge essential for navigating today’s digital world. Conducted in colleges and universities, these workshops cater to diverse interests and skill levels, along with GLUGs (GNU/Linux Users Groups) if they exist within the institutes. Covering a wide array of topics ranging from web development and data science to cloud computing and IoT, participants gain hands-on experience through interactive sessions, real-world case studies, and collaborative projects. Led by industry experts and seasoned practitioners, our workshops provide the tools and guidance needed to succeed in an increasingly tech-driven society.
software freedom day
Software Freedom Day is an event where Free Software Enthusiasts, Students from College and Schools, Common Public, Researchers, etc come together to share, discuss, debate and demonstrate on various topics including FOSS, Free Culture, Hardware, Tools, etc. Various stalls relating to FOSS will be put on for exhibition on the day. Over the past years, this has been a major event for the FOSS Communities all over the world to take FOSS to the people and exhibit its capabilities. Read about our celebrations.
installation fest
Installationfest is a celebration of freedom and empowerment through open-source software. It’s a gathering where individuals come together to embrace the principles of transparency, collaboration, and accessibility inherent in free and open-source technology. Participants are encouraged to bring their devices, whether laptops, desktops, or even smartphones, to install and explore a wide range of open-source operating systems and applications. From Linux distributions and BSD variants to open-source productivity suites and development tools, Installationfest offers a hands-on opportunity to liberate your digital experience and break free from proprietary software dependencies.
hacktivist camps
While Workshops and other events are for Participants, FSHM organizes Hacktivist Camps every year, to train Volunteers on Techno-Social aspects of Free Software, Hardware and Free Culture. Hacktivist Camps make way for the Volunteers to strongly engage themselves with the organization, and they learn why being a Hacktivist is important. Building a strong volunteer base is important for the organization to continue along its path to Free Knowledge.
hacktoberfest
Hacktoberfest is an annual celebration of open-source collaboration and community building. It’s a month-long event where individuals from around the world come together to contribute to open-source projects, learn from each other, and make meaningful contributions to the global tech ecosystem. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a first-time contributor, there’s a place for you in this inclusive and welcoming environment. From coding challenges and bug fixes to documentation updates and feature enhancements, every contribution counts towards making the world of free and open-source software more robust and accessible to all.