We do a lot of work in localization – especially for Gujarati language. We met Mahesh Kulkarni of CDAC Pune yesterday. We have met many other people in public sector and government over the last 3 years about Utkarsh and GujaratiLexicon. We have always got many hurdles. People have always spoken a lot about it, appreciated the efforts, acknowledged the need. But then failed to act on their promises.
This was a different experience. A few months ago, CDAC took localized versions of popular applications from us, and actually paid us for them! Yesterday, they showed interest in doing the same for other language resources we have developed – including dictionary and thesaurus.
It’s not just their willingness to pay money for the work we have done that made me happy. It is simply their approach. Mr. Kulkarni was extremely professional, courteous and valued the efforts put in. He has been in this field for more than two decades and as the head of GIST group, he knows the sweat and emotions associated with building something for one’s mother tongue.
One of his philosophies that inspired me was about commercial aspects of language software. There is no harm in charging money for software, rather it should be done. And when foreign companies come to India for acquiring language technologies, they should be charged fairly for the services – rather than discounting the fees for the benefit of associating with a big name. Because at the end of the day, they are going to sell to fellow Indians!
It was good hearing about his experiences and learning from them. And I really salute the contribution he is making!