Open source is a beautiful concept! And surprizingly, unlike many idealistic concepts, it is feasible too. Its sustained presence and unprecidented acceptance are testimony to this fact. Here at SASTRA, we have been trying for quite a long time now to grab a large share of the unexplored Open Source arena of India. But then, we have our own problems.. inadequate knowledge of technology is ofcourse the biggest issue! The traditional model of learning which we follow, hardly leaves any room for developing skill sets to become a hardcore contributor. But this can be solved.. GLOSS is taking initiative to make students aware of finer details of computing and place diversion arrows in the learning path of the students so that they can enrich their depth and width of knowledge base through the series of seminars and personal one-to-one interactions.
Second is the issue of lack of time. A hectic 8 hours schedule of college leaves students quite weary to do anything as serious as coding a OS or desiging a Database Engine. :p But then.. as I always tell my friends and folks at GLOSS, Contributing to Open Source is lesser a test of knowledge and techincal expertise and bigger a test of individual Character and emotional determination! I'm sure my zealous friends would overcome this problem.
In short, even after all the huddles placed in the course, our marathon towards being the largest contributor in the country will continue... and will continue with all its pace 
