BIT is conducting free software orientation programme
Mangaluru, July 19: A four-day free software orientation programme organized by the Bearys Institute of Technology and the Free Software Movement Karnataka (FSMK) to create awareness on free software, its need, importance and usage was inaugurated at the BIT here on Thursday. The programme would continue till July 22.
Presently more companies in the world have been adopting free software to have more flexibility to meet their demands. The main objective of the programme was to mobilize thoughts, create awareness of tools for making a positive impact on the world using digital medium and spread knowledge for the benefit of the humanity. Along with this, the programme was also aimed at spreading philosophy of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and its key role in bringing positive thought to the world, the organizers said.
On the first day, various sessions were held by Free Software Movement in India general secretary Kiran Chandra, Abhinava of FSFTN, Arun Isaac and Rameseshan of FSMK, Rizma of FSMK and alumni of BIT, industry professionals, software enthusiasts are participating in the programme. More than 100 delegates from various engineering colleges across the state are participating in the programme.
Senior advisor Dr Raikar SK, BIT principal Dr Antony AJ, Dean (Academics) Dr Mahabaleshwarappa, BIT polytechnic principal Dr Azeez Mustafa, department heads and faculty were present during the inaugural programme.
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SC upholds inclusion of ‘secular, socialist’ in Preamble of Constitution
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday upheld the inclusion of the words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble of the Constitution, confirming their retrospective application from November 26, 1949. The court ruled that the power to amend the Constitution under Article 368 extends to the Preamble, which is an integral part of the document.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna stated, “The power under Article 368 cannot be curtailed. It will equally apply to the Preamble.” The 42nd Constitutional Amendment, which introduced these terms in 1976 during the Emergency, was challenged on grounds of its retrospective application and the lack of states’ ratification.
The petitioners, including BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, argued that the amendment forced a particular economic theory on the nation and violated the original intent of the Constitution. Advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay contended that the Preamble reflects the will of the people at the time of adoption in 1949 and is therefore unalterable.
The court dismissed these objections, affirming that both socialism and secularism are part of the Constitution's Basic Structure. The Bench clarified that socialism refers to a welfare state ensuring equality of opportunity without negating private sector participation or individualism. It emphasised that secularism is embedded in the Constitution, particularly in the principles of equality and fraternity.
Chief Justice Khanna remarked, “Secularism has always been a core feature of the Constitution.” He added that the amendment did not impose socialism as dogma but aligned with the welfare goals enshrined in various constitutional provisions.
