Swecha is a project that aims to localise GNU/Linux and other Free Software to Telugu. The project will strive to bridge the language barrier that is one of major reasons behind the digital divide.
We have a working system in which most common tasks like writing and printing documents, browsing the web, sending/receiving emails, chatting, editing graphics etc. can all be in Telugu. The screen shot on the right shows you the Swecha desktop, a GNOME desktop localized to Telugu. Most of this work will ultimately reach all the GNU/Linux distributions. It is also packed into an easy to use LiveCD distribution. The project has also developed a Telugu text-to-speech system and integrated it with the desktop. Since, one can hear the text on the desktop or web page by pointing at it, illiterate people may use it to access the desktop, read news on the web etc. It contains a Telugu text-to-speech system integrated with the desktop. Since, one can 'hear' the text on the desktop by pointing at it, illiterate people may use it to access the desktop, read news on the web etc.
The word Swecha means Freedom in Telugu. Swecha is a Free Software project driven by volunteers. Most components of the projects are licensed under the GNU General Public License. You can use this software for any purpose, make modifications you like and distribute it to anyone. We are seeking for more volunteers in tasks involving development, translation of English text to Telugu, etc. If you are willing to join the effort, please contact us and see how to get involved.