The Kannada Wikisource project, part of the larger Wikimedia ecosystem, has played a pivotal role in preserving and digitizing Kannada literary heritage. Over the past few years, significant efforts have been undertaken by a dedicated community of contributors to expand the platform, improve the quality of digitized texts, and foster collaboration. This blog post outlines key milestones in this journey, showcasing the community’s commitment to preserving not just Kannada literature but also extending efforts to regional languages like Tulu.
Relicensing and Digitization of M. Prabhakar Joshi’s Works (September 2023)
A major milestone in the Kannada Wikisource project occurred in December 2022, when the community, under the leadership of Kavitha Ganesh (User:Kavitha_G._Kana), focused on the relicensing and digitization of the works of renowned author M. Prabhakar Joshi. Through the efforts of the Karavali Wikimedians community, the event sought to release the author’s literary contributions under a free license, making them accessible to the public.
The relicensing process involved coordinating with the author’s rights holders, who graciously agreed to release his works under a Creative Commons license. These texts were then digitized and uploaded to Wikimedia Commons, allowing a wider audience to access and engage with these important works of Kannada literature. This project marked a significant step in ensuring that the literary heritage of Karnataka remains accessible in digital formats, contributing to a growing body of Kannada texts available online.
(Reference: Relicensing, Digitization and Uploading Event)
Wikimedia Refresher Training (December 2023)
In December 2023, Anoop (User:~aanzx) spearheaded the Wikimedia Refresher Training (WRT) event, aimed at enhancing the proofreading capabilities of Kannada Wikisource contributors. The training session focused on equipping participants with essential skills in proofreading, which is crucial for ensuring the quality and accuracy of digitized texts on Wikisource.
The event covered best practices in proofreading, text formatting, and scanning techniques, all essential for maintaining high standards in the preservation of Kannada literature. Participants were trained to handle large volumes of digitized texts while ensuring that the content uploaded to Kannada Wikisource was accurate and free of errors. This training initiative was a major step in developing a highly skilled contributor base, empowering them to maintain the integrity and quality of Kannada texts on the platform.
(Reference: Wikimedia Refresher Training)
Internship Program (June 2024)
In June 2024, the Kannada Wikisource community launched an Internship Program that focused on involving young contributors in the digitization and proofreading efforts. The program was conducted entirely online, under the mentorship of Anoop (User:~aanzx) and guided by Prof. Vishwanatha Badikana, interns received personalized support and feedback, fostering an enriching learning environment.This program involved five students from St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangalore—Athashree Poojary (User:Athashree Poojary03), Anjali Arjunagi (User:Anjali guru arjunagi), Bhoomika KR (User:Bhoomika . K. R), Jyoti Hadapad (User:Jyoti Hadapad03), and Umashree (User:Umashree mallappa alkoppa )—who were trained and mentored in the various aspects of working with the Kannada Wikisource platform.
The interns gained practical experience in digitization, proofreading, and contributing to the growing repository of Kannada texts on Wikisource. The program aimed not only to enhance the platform with fresh contributions but also to empower young women through digital literacy and content management skills. This initiative reflects the community’s commitment to inclusivity and capacity-building, ensuring that the Kannada Wikisource project continues to grow with the involvement of diverse voices and perspectives.
(Reference: Internship Program)
August 2024 Proofreadathon
The Proofreadathon, organized in August 2024 by Anoop with the support of a Wikimedia grant, was another significant event that brought the Kannada Wikisource community together to improve the quality and accuracy of digitized texts. This event encouraged contributors to participate in a collaborative proofreading competition, working on large volumes of texts to ensure their accuracy and readiness for public access.
The Proofreadathon not only increased the quantity of proofread pages on Kannada Wikisource but also significantly improved the overall quality of the content available on the platform. This initiative highlights the community’s commitment to maintaining high standards in Kannada literature preservation and the power of collective effort in driving meaningful progress.
(Reference: Proofreadathon Report)
Request for a Tulu Wikisource
In addition to the efforts focused on Kannada language, the community led by Kavitha Ganesh took a bold step toward supporting the Tulu language, which is spoken by a significant population in coastal Karnataka. Recognizing the need for a dedicated platform for Tulu, the community initiated a formal request for the creation of a Tulu Wikisource.
This process involved incubating the Tulu language on Wikisource, where community members began contributing texts in Tulu. The request for a dedicated Tulu Wikisource has been a significant step in preserving the linguistic diversity of the region and ensuring that the Tulu language, along with Kannada, finds its place in the digital repository of free knowledge. The incubation page for Tulu Wikisource is already active, with ongoing contributions aimed at enriching the content available in Tulu.
(Reference: Tulu Wikisource CatAnalysis, Tulu Wikisource Incubation Page, Request for New Tulu Wikisource)
Conclusion
The Kannada Wikisource community has made tremendous strides in its mission to preserve and promote Kannada literature in the digital age. From the relicensing and digitization of notable works to empowering new contributors and fostering collaboration through initiatives like the Proofreadathon, the community’s efforts have significantly enriched the platform. Additionally, the community’s expansion into supporting the Tulu language highlights its commitment to preserving linguistic diversity and ensuring that regional languages continue to thrive in the digital era.
These milestones reflect the dedication of community efforts have laid a strong foundation for the future of Kannada and Tulu Wikisource. As the platform continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, open access, and the preservation of cultural heritage in the digital world.
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