Page:Code Swaraj - Carl Malamud - Sam Pitroda.djvu/178

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Code Swaraj

People in India understand how badly a society can be hurt when knowledge becomes the private property of a few corporations. India has a long tradition of talking through social issues. That was what Gandhi-ji was doing when he spoke frankly at Ashtanga. That was what the Emperor Ashoka did when he encouraged tolerance to all religions and helped sponsor the Third Buddhist Council. If we are to have a frank conversation about universal access to knowledge, India seems the right place to have that discussion.

As I finish this note, it is Christmas day in California. I have booked a ticket back to India for February, and hope to make the new year one of knowledge, for myself and for others. I am most grateful to my friend Sam Pitroda for bringing me on this journey. Jai Hind. Code Swaraj.

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