
We recently finished the first-ever Wiki Loves Language edit-a-thon on Odia Wikipedia, which ran from November 15 to December 31, 2024. The sprint celebrated linguistic diversity, creating 75 new articles about Indian languages and their speakers.
Of the 780+ languages spoken in India, over 192 fear endangerment. Worse, most don’t have enough information on Wikipedia. Odisha, my home state, is home to over 21 languages, and my home wiki, even the Odia Wikipedia, did not have articles about all of them. Three of us—Sangram Keshari Senapati, Subhashish Panigrahi, and myself—created 75 new articles while improving several articles.
Our Contributions and Journey
Our journey during this edit-a-thon was both challenging and rewarding. Together, we created total numbers of 75 new articles and covering a wide range of topics from Odia language. Each contribution was a step toward making knowledge more accessible in our native languages and preserving their unique heritage in the digital age.
Among the contributors, Sangram Keshari Senapati led the efforts with an impressive 47 articles, followed by Aliva Sahoo, who contributed 24 articles, and Subhasis Panigrahi, who added 4 articles. Their combined dedication and efforts significantly enriched the content and scope of the Wikimedia platform, showcasing their commitment to promoting linguistic and cultural diversity.
The results of this initiative were remarkable. Not only did we expand the Odia Wikimedia project, but we also strengthened the visibility of regional and South Asian languages on a global platform. The dedication and teamwork of the contributors were reflected in the quality and quantity of the articles created, demonstrating the profound impact that such initiatives can have on linguistic preservation. This edit-a-thon reinforced our belief in the importance of technology in safeguarding our cultural identity and inspired us to continue contributing to this noble cause.
Reflections and Lessons Learned
Participating in the Wiki Loves Language Edit-a-thon was a deeply enriching and transformative experience. It allowed me to reflect on the power of language in preserving cultural identity and the importance of technology in making this heritage accessible to all. Working on the Odia Wikimedia project not only strengthened my connection to my native language but also taught me the value of collaboration, research, and patience. The challenges of finding reliable sources and translating complex topics into Odia were balanced by the fulfillment of contributing to a global platform that celebrates linguistic diversity. This journey reaffirmed my belief in the significance of empowering communities through accessible knowledge and inspired me to continue advocating for and promoting the Odia language in the digital space.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Participating in the Wiki Loves Language Edit-a-thon has been a transformative journey, the immense potential of collective efforts to preserve and promote linguistic diversity. Contributing to the Odia Wikimedia project not only allowed me to celebrate my heritage but also underscored the importance of ensuring regional languages thrive in the digital age.
I invite everyone reading this to join such initiatives in the future. Together, we can continue to enrich Wikimedia platforms and help bridge the digital gap for our native languages, no matter how small, has a voice in the digital world. Let’s keep the momentum alive and make our languages shine on the global stage. In future editions of this collaborative edit-a-thon, participants will have the opportunity to select and contribute to a wide range of Indian languages from the provided list, fostering inclusivity and promoting linguistic diversity.

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