Every November, Wikipedians worldwide unite to shine a spotlight on Asian cultures through the annual Wikipedia Asian Month (WAM). This remarkable initiative, running since 2015, is organized by the Wikipedia Asian Month User Group. It aims to enrich Wikipedia with diverse Asian content, inviting participation from various language-specific Wikipedia and Wikimedia Foundation projects. This month-long celebration transcends borders, fostering collaboration and camaraderie among Wikipedians globally.
The Essence of Wikipedia Asian Month
Wikipedia Asian Month is more than just an online campaign; it is a vibrant movement that encourages local organizers to host events and engage their communities. Participants who excel in creating the most articles on each Wikipedia are honored with the prestigious “Wikipedia Asian Month Golden Award.” Local partners can also decide on additional judging criteria and prizes to recognize their community’s efforts.
Odia Wikimedians: A Tradition of Excellence
The Odia Wikimedians User Group has been a steadfast participant in WAM since its inception in 2015. The dedication to enriching Odia Wikipedia with valuable content reflects their passion for preserving and promoting cultural heritage. In recent years, Sangram Keshari Senapati has taken the reins, organizing the edit-a-thon and contributing significantly to its success. His commitment has inspired many within the community to join the cause and contribute.`
A Literary Journey: WAM 2024
This year, the Odia Wikimedians User Group chose “Literature from Asian countries” as their primary theme for Wiki Asian Month 2024, although participants were free to explore other topics. The 2024 edit-a-thon saw enthusiastic participation from four dedicated members: Harihar Satapathy, Aliva Sahoo, Raj K. Mohapatra, and Sangram Keshari Senapati. Together, they created an impressive 121 articles in these 30 days, each contributing unique perspectives and insights.
- Sangram Keshari Senapati and Aliva Sahoo each wrote 30 articles, showcasing their dedication and expertise.
- Harihar Satapathy contributed 28 articles, from different countries except India (following the former rule).
- Raj K. Mohapatra, who joined this campaign for the first time, led the group with 33 articles, creating fully literary articles.
Impact and Inspiration
The efforts of the Odia Wikimedians User Group during WAM 2024 have left a lasting impact on the Odia Wikipedia community. The contributions are not only enrich the platform with diverse content but also inspire others to participate in future edit-a-thons. By highlighting Asian cultures and fostering collaboration, Wikipedia Asian Month continues to bridge cultural gaps and promote understanding.
As we look forward to future editions of WAM, the legacy of the Odia Wikimedians User Group serves as a testament to the power of community and the endless possibilities that arise when people come together to celebrate knowledge and culture.
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