VS Achuthanandan, politician who pushed for Linux adoption in India, passed away today
from emergencyfood@sh.itjust.works to linux@lemmy.ml on 21 Jul 17:29
https://sh.itjust.works/post/42550892

India has one of the highest rates of (desktop) Linux usages in the world - hovering around 10% according to StatCounter. Why is this? One reason is concerns over software controlled by foreign countries - particularly the US and China. But another is cost.

The first major boost for Linux and other free software in India came in 2006, when VS Achuthanandan - who passed away today - was elected Chief Minister of the state of Kerala. His government came up with a policy to shift all government computers to free software, starting with schools and colleges.

When the financial benefits became apparent, other states and the Union government followed suit.

#linux