Dear Wikimedians,
Greetings to all of you.
I'm excited to invite everyone to participate in the *Open Data Day 2024
Wikidata Datathon <https://w.wiki/9Lvj>* focused on improving the data of
water resources in India in Wikidata.
In association with *International Open Data Day 2024*, a collaborative
effort is underway to enrich Wikidata with accurate and comprehensive
information regarding Dams, Reservoirs, Rivers, and River basins in India.
By improving Wikidata items and contributing to it, participants will play
a pivotal role in shaping the success and impact of the datathon, while
also enhancing the availability of open data. This endeavor will greatly
benefit researchers and enthusiasts interested in India's water resources.
Feel free to input your thoughts on this and share this invitation with
your community members and encourage them to participate. Your collective
effort and participation will significantly enhance the impact of this
datathon.
*Event Page: https://w.wiki/9Lvj <https://w.wiki/9Lvj>Date: March 2 - March
8, 2024 IST*
Let's come together to celebrate Open Data Day and harness the
transformative power of open data, fostering inclusive knowledge sharing
and enhancing accessibility for all!
Warm Regards,
*Jinoy*
[[User:Gnoeee]] <https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/User:Gnoeee>
*Please don’t print this e-mail unless you really need to.Every 3000 sheets
consume a tree. Conserve Trees for a better tomorrow!*
Dear Community members,
I hope you're doing well. We're excited to invite you to the upcoming Wiki
Loves Folklore 2024 Office Hour Part Two, where we'll be discussing how to
make our jury processes better.
Event Details:
- Date: March 2nd, 2024
- Time: 4:00 pm UTC https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1709388000
- Where: Zoom
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88637039784?pwd=AIGFVXsrMPB2piCVZ17acvacHuaZgR.1
What's Happening:
-
Introduction by Isaac Chabota Kanguya (Communication Officer): Isaac
will start things off with a quick 10-minute talk. He'll explain why having
fair and inclusive jury procedures is important for Wiki Loves Folklore.
-
Presentation by Suyash (Jury Coordinator for Wiki Loves Folklore
2024): Next,
Suyash will speak for 20 minutes about "How to Set Up a Good Jury for Wiki
Loves Folklore Photography Contest." He'll help to choose good pictures
-
Presentation by Nokib Sarkar (Lead Tool Developer for WLF 2024): Then,
Nokib will talk for 20 minutes about "How We Judge Writing Contests using
Campwiz Tool." He will show how to use the jury functionality in campwiz.
-
Questions and Chat Time: After the presentations, we'll have 10 minutes
for you to ask questions and share your thoughts.
We think this event will be really helpful, and we'd love for you to be
there. To save your spot, just click here
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wiki_Loves_Folklore_2024_Office_Hour_2#Part…>
Thanks so much for all your support with Wiki Loves Folklore. We're looking
forward to chatting with you soon!
Best,
Isaac Kanguya
Communication Officer International Team WLF 2024
Dear Wikimedians,
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to provide an update regarding CIS-A2K's decision to apply for the WMF General Support Fund with a multi-year grant proposal during the 2024-25 Round 1, instead of the 2023-24 Round 2. This decision was made after careful consideration of several aspects, which I would like to outline here -
Alignment with Upcoming Wikimedia Strategy: We believe that Wikimedia's strategy around global governance and related aspects will have a significant impact on the movement. A2K aims to propose its multi-year grant and work plan in alignment with these new changes, which are expected to see major developments in the coming months.
Strategic Priorities and Team Building: We are committed to building our team with new talent and utilising our collective efforts towards our strategic priorities. We have recently expanded our team with new members who will contribute to crucial areas such as Technical Outreach and Communications. While A2K was informed by research and community inputs on strategic priorities, this process of developing a coherent plan will require additional time.
Operational Considerations: In addition to strategic factors, there were also operational reasons such as the availability of resources, alignment with internal milestones and reporting requirements that contributed to this decision.
We are sincerely grateful to the community members who have provided us with feedback and input. We have synthesised and analysed the community needs assessment and will continue to utilise it to inform our decisions and plans. Your support and trust are invaluable to us, and we kindly request you continue extending the same as we move forward.
Thank you for your support and cooperation.
Best regards,
Pavan Santhosh,
Program Manager,
CIS-A2K.
Dear Wikimedians,
I hope this email finds you well. We are thrilled to announce a new addition to our A2K family. Please join us in welcoming Chris (Christeena), who officially joined A2K on February 15th as A2K's new Program Associate (Communications).
Chris brings with them a wealth of skills and enthusiasm that will undoubtedly enhance the A2K team and contribute to the success of our projects. They have a helpful nature, and we're confident they'll quickly become an integral part of our team.
Let's extend our warmest congratulations and extend a heartfelt welcome to Chris as they embark on this exciting journey with us.
Regards,
Pavan Santosh
Hello all,
Hope you all are doing well.
We would like to remind you that the Fifteenth Open Community Call will be
happening *today* (*i.e. **18 February 2024*). We will be holding a few
important conversations that are relevant to our communities and also have
some updates from members of a few communities and projects as well. The
detailed agenda, etherpad, call timings, and meeting link are available on
the meta page
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConference_India_2023/Open_Community_Ca…>
.
Please add the following to your respective calendars and we look forward
to seeing you on the call.
[SAOCC] Open Community Call
Date: 18 February 2024
Time: 1800-1900 [6 pm to 7 pm] (IST)
Google Link: https://meet.google.com/csu-ftjo-vcz
Please join the General Chat telegram group <https://t.me/+X9RLByiOxpAyNDZl> to
share your ideas, thoughts, inputs, suggestions, or questions.
Alternatively, you can also leave us a message on the talk page
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:WikiConference_India_2023/Open_Communi…>
.
Look forward to connecting with you all,
Thank you!
Warm regards,
Nivas
Hey! If you are interested in joining these calls, click on this public link
<https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/5?cid=Y182ZWY5ZGQwODA4OWI2ZTdiNGRkNm…>
and
add the “Open Community Call” to get meeting invitations directly to your
calendar so that you don't miss out on any of our future calls. If you are
interested in moderating one of these calls, you can sign up under the
Moderator
Sign-up
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/South_Asia_Open_Community_Call#Moderator_Si…>
section.
பயன்தூக்கார் செய்த உதவி நயன்தூக்கின்
நன்மை கடலின் பெரிது. (௱௩ - 103)
திருவள்ளுவர்
(Payandhookkaar Seydha Udhavi Nayandhookkin
Nanmai Katalin Peridhu (Transliteration))
The contribution made without weighing the return, When weighed, outweighs the sea.
- Thiruvalluvar
Dear Wikimedians,
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Ulo Senthamizh Kodai (December 22, 1945 – February 1, 2024), a distinguished technologist, author, academician, and prolific contributor to the Tamil Wikipedia community.[1] Born on December 22, 1945, in the village of [ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiruvallur_district | Puducherrypalli ] in Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, India, He devoted his life to engineering, science, and promoting scientific knowledge in Tamil.
Ulo Senthamizh Kodai earned his Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from [ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_of_Engineering,_Guindy | Guindy Engineering College ] and a Master's degree from [ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PSG_College_of_Technology | PSG College of Technology ] in Coimbatore. His illustrious 33-year career at the [ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TNEB | Tamil Nadu Electricity Board ] included earning a Ph.D. He authored the acclaimed book " [ https://www.noolulagam.com/tamil-book/1188/makkal-ariviyal-ilakiyam-nokkum-… | Makkal Ariviyal Ilakkiyam: Nokkum Pokkum ] " and received the Tamil Nadu Government's award for best book in engineering and technology in 2007.
Passionate about Tamil Nadu's science and technology history, Ulo Senthamizh Kodai contributed extensively to scientific vocabulary in Tamil. He served on the editorial board of the [ http://www.aubit.edu.in/library/Journals_magazines.html | Bharathidasan University Journal of Science and Technology ] and significantly contributed to the [ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_Virtual_Academy | Tamil Virtual Academy ] 's glossary of technical terms.
In addition to academia, He was a luminary in the Tamil Wikipedia community, starting his contributions in 2014. He created over 2000 articles and had an edit count of 28513 in [ https://ta.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%B1%E0%AF%8D… | Tamil Wikipedia ] , focusing mainly on scientific articles. He was actively involved until his final days, participating in discussions and editing articles until January 29, 2024.
Ulo Senthamizh Kodai leaves behind a legacy continued by his son Vanchi. His impact on Tamil science and the Wikipedia community is immeasurable, with notable contributions to projects like the [ https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/100wikidays | 100 WikiDays ] and the Tamil Teachers' Articles Cleanup Drive.
Members of the Tamil Wikipedia community mourn his passing. Fellow Wikipedian Mahalingam noted, "The passing of Ulo Senthamizh Kodai is a great loss to us all." Former colleague Jambulingam remembered his dedication and encouragement, while longtime contributor K. Murthy recalled Ulo Senthamizh Kodai's resilience despite physical challenges.
Ulo Senthamizh Kodai's contributions were recognized with accolades, including featuring on the main page of Tamil Wikipedia in 2016 and various barnstars and medals from fellow Wikipedians.
As we bid farewell to Ulo Senthamizh Kodai, we remember him not only for his significant contributions to Tamil science and Wikipedia but also for his unwavering dedication to knowledge, education, and the Tamil language. His passing leaves a void in the community, and he will be dearly missed.
We are planning to host a condolence meeting online and we will soon provide information about that. We encourage people to share their memories/experiences of their association with Ulo Senthamizh Kodai on this thread.
Tamil Wikimedians & CIS-A2K.
[1] [ https://ta.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%AE%89%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8B._%E0%AE%9A%E0%AF%… | Biographical Article about Ulo Senthamizh Kodai ] in Tamil Wikipedia
[2] [ https://ta.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%AF%E0%AE%A9%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8D… | Userpage of Ulo Senthamizh Kodai ] in Tamil Wikipedia
Ulo Senthamizh Kodai During Wiki Advanced Training 2018 at Ranchi;
Photo Credits: [ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Saileshpat | Sailesh Patnaik, ] Via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA 4.0
Dear Wikimedia Community,
Apologies for cross-posting this but I hope this email finds you well. We
are excited to officially announce the kick-starting of Wiki Loves Folklore
(WLF) and Feminism and Folklore! As active members of the Wikimedia
community, we invite you to join us in celebrating and documenting the folk
culture from around the world.
Wiki Loves Folklore (WLF):
Wiki Loves Folklore is an annual international photography competition that
runs throughout February, organized by Wikimedia community members and
local affiliates. The competition's mission is to preserve and promote
intangible cultural heritage through the lens of photography. We encourage
photographers to contribute media showcasing their local folk culture to
Wikimedia Commons under free licenses. The resulting media can then be
utilized on Wikipedia and various platforms with proper attribution.
Feminism and Folklore:
In addition to WLF, we are thrilled to present Feminism and Folklore, an
international writing contest held on Wikipedia annually during February
and March. This contest aims to document folk cultures and the role of
women in folklore across different regions of the world. Feminism and
Folklore is the written counterpart of the photography campaign Wiki Loves
Folklore (WLF) organized on Wikimedia Commons to capture and document
folklore traditions globally.
Key Dates:
- Start Date: February 1, 2024
- Deadline: March 31, 2024
How You Can Participate:
We encourage our local organizers to please start putting your houses in
order for this event. Whether you're a seasoned contributor or a newcomer,
your involvement is crucial in making these projects a success. Here's how
you can participate:
1. Organize Events: Plan meet-ups, edit-a-thons, or workshops to engage
your local community in contributing to Wiki Loves Folklore and Feminism
and Folklore. Share your event details on relevant platforms to attract
participants.
2. Spread the Word: Use your social media channels, mailing lists, and
community forums to spread awareness about these projects. Encourage others
to join and contribute their unique perspectives.
3. Document and Contribute: Be an active participant by documenting and
contributing content related to folk culture and feminism in folklore. Your
contributions will help enrich the global understanding of these important
cultural aspects and at the end of the day you win some fanatic prizes.
4. Support New Contributors: please let us Welcome the newcomers and guide
them through the process. Encourage them to share their images taken by
themselves and not download images off the internet.
Together, let's celebrate and preserve the diverse cultural heritage that
defines us.
For more details and to participate, visit the official Wiki Loves Folklore
and Feminism and Folklore pages on Facebook, Instagram, X, Telegram,
Youtube and on our Wikimedia talk pages on Commons
<https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Folklore> or just
email support(a)wikilovesfolklore.org. For any tools related
inquiries/suggestion/complaints write us on tools(a)wikilovesfolklore.org
Thank you for your dedication to the Wikimedia community. We look forward
to seeing your contributions and the vibrant documentation of folk culture
and feminism in folklore.
Best regards,
Isaac Chabota Kanguya
Communication Officer on behalf the
Wiki Loves Folklore International Team
Dear Wikimedians,
I trust this email finds you in great spirits as we embark on a new year filled with possibilities and opportunities.
A2K is thrilled to announce the newest joiners to the CIS-A2K team! Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Nivas Ramisetty and Chinmayee Ramana. Their talents and expertise bring a fresh perspective to our team.
Nivas Ramisetty has joined us as a Program Associate (Technical Outreach), contributing his skills and knowledge to facilitate technical engagement, provide tech support, and advance technological initiatives within the Indic Wikimedia community.
Chinmayee Ramana joins us as an intern and will help us in communications and research. She will be actively engaging with community members, fostering direct conversations to better understand and address the needs of our diverse community members.
Let's collectively congratulate Nivas and Chinmayee on becoming integral parts of our team. We are excited about the innovative contributions and positive energy they bring to our organization.
Regards,
Pavan Santhosh,
Program Manager,
Access to Knowledge,
Centre for Internet and Society.