OSGeo China & India

[Venkatesh Raghavan]

Dear Board,

The proposal for the China OSGeo Chapter is pending approval of the board
(See http://wiki.osgeo.org/index.php/China).

China OSGeo Chapter is planning a meeting to announce the
establishment on 19 Sept 2006 in Beijing. Members of OSGeo China include
top professors in gis and software domain. They are from
national remote sensing center of china, chinese association of gis,
chinese academy of sciences (headquarter, remote sensing institute,
software engineering institute, geography institute etc.). OSGeo China
is strongly backed by government department and Members are
treat OSGeo very earnestly and solemnly. 

I was requested to take part in the Opening meeting in Beijing but am unable
to, because I have pressing engagements on the 20 Sept, 2006. China OSGeo
has also informed me to find out if any other board member could possibly
attend. The Chinese side can cover all the expenditures in china including
flight ticket.

I strongly feel that the presence of a Board member would not only encourage
OSGeo China members but also be a boost for promoting OSGeo in Asia.

I would also suggest that the Board member also consider a visit to India
after China. I can join and also organize India trip if it is after 20th
Sept 2006. BTW, India OSGeo Chapter is also moving on the draft proposal
available at http://wiki.osgeo.org/index.php/India will be finalized in
the near future and presented to the board soon.

Kind regards

Venka