IIT Bombay Hosts Open Source Software Workshop at Telangana Horticultural University
Hyderabad, June 26, 2025: Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University (SKLTHU), Rajendranagar, hosted a special workshop on Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in collaboration with IIT Bombay, aimed at empowering students and faculty with cutting-edge digital tools. The event also featured a Faculty Development Program focused on the advanced applications of geospatial software in horticulture.
Inaugurating the workshop, Vice Chancellor Dr. Danda Raji Reddy emphasized the growing importance of integrating IT, ICT, remote sensing, and GIS technologies in the horticulture sector. He highlighted the university’s ongoing efforts to facilitate collaborative research and provide student-centric internships, particularly in the field of open-source Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
Dr. Mohammad Qasim Khan, National Coordinator of the FOSSEE GIS Project under the National Mission on Education through ICT (NMEICT), IIT Bombay, delivered the keynote address. He detailed the benefits of open-source software, shared updates and operational procedures, and outlined available internship opportunities for students. He also discussed faculty training programs and the use of GIS tools for research and mapping in horticulture. Dr. Khan announced that remote internships are being offered to eligible students through the FOSSEE “JEE GIS” project and background orientation sessions are being provided to faculty members.
Dr. Veeranjaneyulu, University Consultant, spoke on the significance of ICT in education and noted that graduates with skills in horticulture-based software technologies have promising career opportunities. Dr. P. Prashanth, Associate Dean of the College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, encouraged students to make full use of the university’s modern technological infrastructure.
In a significant development, Dr. Khan announced that Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University has been recognized as an ‘Aspiring University’ and will be felicitated at the upcoming National Geospatial Awards ceremony on July 17, 2025. He also revealed that SKLTHU will serve as a knowledge partner in the forthcoming National Geospatial Horticulture Hackathon.
The workshop concluded with engaging discussions on collaborative research and technology development, involving Dr. P.D. Saidaiah, Associate Dean of the College of Horticulture, Mojerla, Dr. M. Srinivas, Ashwin, faculty members, and students.
