CIS-A2K/Events/CIS-A2K Community Collaborations 2023-24

2023

CIS-A2K's collaborative projects in 2023 and 2024, described below, underscores the dedication to fostering community growth and supporting diverse initiatives within the Wikimedia movement. From educational programs and celebratory events to documentary filmmaking and training sessions, each collaboration demonstrates a shared effort to enrich knowledge and empower contributors. This commitment extends beyond workshops and edit-a-thons to include ongoing support, assistance, and facilitating community-driven initiatives. By actively engaging with and uplifting Wikimedia communities, CIS-A2K exemplifies its dedication to advancing open knowledge and ensuring the sustainability of collaborative endeavors. The following are the collaborative projects facilitated by CIS-A2K from August 2023 to March 2024

Project Vidyodaya

On December 10, 2023, a one-day training workshop was conducted at Vidyodaya English Medium High School as part of the Malayalam Wikimedia Educational Program. The event engaged 50 students, introducing them to various Wikimedia projects, including Wikipedia, Wikisource, Commons, Wiktionary, Wikiquote, and Wikidata. The agenda included creating a new Wikipedia article, fostering awareness and participation in Wikimedia initiatives among the students. The workshop aimed to enhance digital literacy and encourage contributions to open knowledge platforms.

Wikidata birthday Celebrations

The 11th birthday of Wikidata was joyously celebrated on October 29, 2023, at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences Convention Centre in Bangalore, as part of the IndiaFOSS 3.0 conference. Organized by Wikimedians of Kerala UG, CIS-A2K, and Indic MediaWiki Developers UG, the event featured a festive cake cutting ceremony with a specially designed Wikidata-themed cake. Attendees participated in an engaging Wikidata quiz, showcasing their knowledge and enthusiasm. Notable winners included User:Muzirian and User:Aneeshnl, adding an extra layer of excitement to the celebration.

"Pursereg Kattuna" documentary film

The Karavali Wikimedians User Group, with support from the Wikimedia Foundation, is crafting a documentary named "Pursa Kattuna." Released at Vani College in Belthangady on October 2, 2023, the documentary explores Pursakkattuna, a ritualistic dance integral to Belthangady taluk in Dakshina Kannada. Predominantly performed by men across diverse castes, this dance concludes agricultural activities over three to five nights during the Suggi month's full moon. Led by the Gowda community, it fosters communal harmony and boasts diverse costumes. Funded by CIS-A2K, the documentary sheds light on the cultural significance of Purushakattuna, potentially influenced by medieval Karnataka's secret tantric sects.

Day Training Session for Wikimedians

CIS-A2K collaborated with Karavali Wikimedians Mangaluru to organize a day-long training session on December 24, 2023, with a focus on Mangalore. In response to the post-COVID absence of workshops, the community expressed eagerness to enhance their knowledge. Admin Mr. Anoop Rao led sessions covering admin tools, advanced Wikipedia editing, Wikisource, and essential Wikimedia tools. The thoughtfully curated topics aimed to empower Wikimedians, contributing to content quality. The collaboration enriched the community's productivity and impact through this training session.

2024

Two-day Edit-a-thon for Wikipedia beginners.

In collaboration with CIS-A2K Bengaluru, the Karavali Wikimedians User Group organized a Two-day Edit-a-thon on February 3rd and 4th, 2024. Vishwanatha Badikana, President of the Karavali Wikimedians User Group and Professor in the Kannada Department at St Aloysius College (Autonomous) Mangaluru led the initiative. The workshop targeted Wikipedia beginners in the Karavali locality. Dr. U.B. Pavanaja, Admin for Kannada and Tulu Wikimedians, served as the trainer. The event, which aimed for 40 participants, successfully concluded, benefiting students and the general public

Tamil Computing Conference

In anticipation of the International Tamil Computing Conference organized by the Tamilnadu government from February 9-11, 2024, the Tamil wiki community sought financial support from CIS-A2K. The community collaborated with the government and participated in research papers, workshops, presentations, and stalls. The conference organizers allocated a stall for the Tamil Wiki community. CIS-A2K's financial assistance played a crucial role in supporting Wikimedians, contributing to the success of this outreach initiative.

Introduction of Wikisource at GRD College

An introduction to Wikisource event was organized at GRD College, Coimbatore to acquaint students with the basics of wikimedia. Sri Reegan, a participant of TTT 2023, led the initiative. CIS-A2K provided the necessary support to organize this workshop. Collaborating with educational institutions has significant impact in the growth of open knowledge movements.

Two-day workshop on Wikipedia for beginners at Canara College.

A two-day workshop on Wikipedia for beginners was organized at Canara College, Mangaluru in February 2024. Babitha Shetty in collaboration with CIS-A2K and Karavali Wikimedian User group led the initiative. The workshop was a resounding success and the institution expressed interest in further collaborations.

Tamil Wiki Workshop in Madurai

In lieu of the Tamil Internet Conference at Kamarajar University, Madurai, a Tamil Wiki Workshop was organized in November 2023. The workshop was a success and received good responses from the participants. On the second day of this conference, Tamil Wikipedia became the second largest Indian language wikipedia in article count. This was a notable achievement for the community.

A2K's sponsorship of Technical contributors' attendance to IndiaFOSS 3.0

CIS-A2K sponsored technical contributors to attend India FOSS 3.0, recognizing the critical role of their participation in fostering open-source collaboration. Supporting their attendance was imperative to encourage knowledge exchange, skill development, and community building within the FOSS ecosystem. The event provided a platform for contributors to stay ahead of the latest developments, network with peers, and contribute to innovative projects. CIS-A2K's sponsorship underscores the commitment to empowering technical contributors, ensuring their active involvement in advancing open-source initiatives across India

Support to West Bengal Wikimedians User Group

CIS-A2K provided internet access support to Nettime Sujata who is a quality and valuable editor from the Bangla community and an integral part of the West Bengal Wikimedians User Group. Sujata has contributed immensely to the Bangla Wikisource project.

Tamil Wikipedia Workshop in Thirunalveli

The 2-day Wikipedia workshop at Sadakathullah Appa College, Tirunelveli, aimed to train 50 college teachers in contributing to Tamil Wikipedia. Conducted collaboratively with Tamil Wikipedia, CIS-A2K, and the college administration, the workshop focused on introducing users to Wikipedia, enhancing articles, and instilling an understanding of encyclopedic formats. The event featured eight trainers and received support from Tamil Wikipedia Kumugayam, CIS-A2K, and the college. A series of webinars and online meetings over the next few months were planned to sustain engagement after the workshop.

Buxa Bird Photo Walk: Wiki Loves Birds Follow-up

Wiki Loves Birds project aimed to increase the amount of free licensed materials of available Birds species by adding photographs of birds in Wikimedia Commons; and improving the quality and quantity of Wikipedia articles. CIS-A2K facilitated a bird photo walk at Buxa and Manas National Parks. The engagement aimed to capture the biodiversity of the Buxa reserve through bird photography.