<html><head></head><body style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px; "><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Hi Folks,</span></span><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:4.8pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;
margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">I'm writing to share an update with you on certain
developments of relevance to the Wikimedia movement in India.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.05in;line-height:15.0pt;mso-outline-level:
3"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Announcement of Wikimedia India Program Trust<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:4.8pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;
margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">For some time, efforts have gone into creating an
organization that would provide an appropriate structure to support Wikimedia
program activities in India. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aspects
such as the current regulatory framework (regarding funding, taxation, etc.) as
well as the legal protection for the India team have been considered to
determine this structure. In this context, a host of options (e.g. subsidiary,
branch, Section 25) were evaluated and a determination was made towards an
independent non-profit public trust. Legal advice has been taken at every stage
in this decision.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:4.8pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;
margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">A new entity, the “Wikimedia India Program Trust”, has now
been formed and registered (in Delhi.) This will be the organization that will
eventually drive India programs and house the team in India.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.05in;line-height:15.0pt;mso-outline-level:
3"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Why an Independent Public Trust?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:4.8pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;
margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">The Trust will provide an effective vehicle within India to
marshal resources to support programs and partner with local institutions. The
objective of the Trust is to promote the objectives of the Wikimedia movement
and work closely with the Wikimedia community on various projects with an India
focus. It is important to understand that the Trust will not have any editorial
control over content on any of the Wikimedia projects. The Trust is a not for
profit organization.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.05in;line-height:15.0pt;mso-outline-level:
3"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Introduction
of Trustees<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:4.8pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;
margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Trustees have been identified based upon their support for
Wikimedia movement's principles and plans in addition to having reputations for
good governance and management.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:4.8pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;
margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Sunil Abraham and Rahul Matthan have been requested to be the
initial Trustees.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Both are friends of
Wikipedia and have extensive experience.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:4.8pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;
margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Sunil is Executive Director of the Centre for Internet &
Society (CIS), is a long term advocate of free software and IP reform and has
been supporting the Wikimedia community and movement for some time now.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:4.8pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;
margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Rahul is a partner and heads the technology practice at
Trilegal. He brings deep expertise and relationships that will be valuable for
the Trust.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:4.8pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;
margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">These initial Trustees will serve for a term of three years
at the maximum.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>All additional or subsequent
Trustees will serve on rotation in accordance with a trustee selection plan
that will be prepared.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:4.8pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;
margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Trustees will not be compensated for their services.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.05in;line-height:15.0pt;mso-outline-level:
3"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Governance, Funding, Financial Standards & Communications
of the Trust<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:4.8pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;
margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">The Trust will be governed by Trustees who will provide
oversight and guidance regarding the operations and governance of the Trust.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:4.8pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;
margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Since the Trust is an independent organization, it will
require funding for its operations which is in compliance with the legal and
regulatory framework in India. It will seek funding from private donors within
India as well as external sources.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:4.8pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;
margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">The Trust has the support of the Wikimedia Foundation which
is a United States based non-profit foundation. However, in India all
non-profit organizations need to be in existence for 3 years before they can
receive funding from sources outside India. In the interim, they can apply for
prior-permission under the FCRA regulations to help expedite the process. As a
result, the Trust will shortly be applying for approval to receive funds from
the Wikimedia Foundation in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:4.8pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;
margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">As a Trust, we are required to have an independent external
auditor. We have appointed KPMG. KPMG is experienced in auditing non-profit
companies and are also auditors for the Wikimedia Foundation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:4.8pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;
margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Annually, the Trust will publicly disclose it's independently
audited financial statements. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:4.8pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;
margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">The Trust will publish a monthly newsletter outlining its
current activities and future plans. This will commence in December 2011.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.05in;line-height:15.0pt;mso-outline-level:
3"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Operations
of the Trust<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:4.8pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;
margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">The trust deed under which the Trust must operate clearly
states that the purpose of the Trust is to independently promote the growth of
volunteer activities within India in support of effective and unrestricted
dissemination of free knowledge to the public.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:4.8pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;
margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">I will serve as the Executive Director of the Trust. Once it
is possible, additional employees will be brought on to the Trust<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:4.8pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;
margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">The Trust will eventually have an office in Delhi.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:4.8pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;
margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">In the interim, I have personally secured temporary office
space to facilitate establishing the Trust and its mission. It is located at
Top Floor, G-15, Hauz Khas, New Delhi - 110 016. It's a couple of minutes walk
away from IIT Flyover and Hauz Khas Metro. Do drop in! It's a small but cozy
place and we'd love to have you over!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.05in;line-height:15.0pt;mso-outline-level:
3"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:4.8pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;
margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">We continue to make progress in setting up program activities
to support the growth of Wikimedia in India. We have a long way to go, but are
glad that we are starting to build a solid foundation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:4.8pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;
margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">The following link is for FAQs on this (and related) topics: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><a href="http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/FAQ_India_Programs/FAQ_Wikimedia_India_Program_Trust">http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/FAQ_India_Programs/FAQ_Wikimedia_India_Program_Trust</a></span></p>
<!--EndFragment--><div apple-content-edited="true">As always, do reach out if you have any comments or questions.</div><div apple-content-edited="true"><br></div><div apple-content-edited="true">Warm Regards,</div><div apple-content-edited="true">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">hisham</span>
</div>
<br></div></body></html>