

FOSS CLUB – Bishop Jerome Institute (BJI), Kollam (Free and Open Source Software Club)
Overview
The FOSS Club at Bishop Jerome Institute (BJI), Kollam is a vibrant student-driven community dedicated to promote the use, development, and contribution of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). The club aims to empower students with the knowledge, tools, and collaborative skills needed to participate meaningfully in global open-source ecosystems. The FOSS Club functions as a platform where students explore cutting-edge technologies, contribute to real-world projects, and cultivate a culture of openness, innovation, and digital independence aligned with India’s growing emphasis on self-reliance in technology.
Vision
To create an open, collaborative learning environment that encourages innovation, technical excellence, and community-driven software development using Free and Open Source tools.
Mission
- Promote awareness and adoption of FOSS among students and faculty.
- Nurture students to become contributors to national and international open-source projects.
- Provide hands-on training in FOSS tools, platforms, and technologies.
- Build a culture of sharing, transparency, and continuous learning.
Objectives
- Familiarize students with popular open-source tools (Linux, Python, Git, LibreOffice, etc.).
- Organize workshops, hackathons, coding sprints, and capacity-building programs.
- Encourage participation in global challenges such as GSoC, Hacktoberfest, and other open-source initiatives.
- Facilitate collaboration with industries and organizations promoting open-source technologies.
- Support academic and technical projects using FOSS solutions to reduce cost and dependence on proprietary tools.
