Hello everyone 👋
With the submission deadline approaching, we warmly invite you to
contribute to the April 2026 issue of *WikiDhara*.
*WikiDhara – The Echoes from South Asia* is a collaborative space dedicated
to collecting, curating and sharing stories, updates and highlights from
across South Asian Wikimedia communities. It serves as a platform to
document activities, amplify diverse voices and strengthen connections
across the region.
We welcome submissions that reflect your contributions to the
Wikimedia movement; this includes community projects, events, partnerships,
research, learning journeys or reflections from your Wikimedia engagement.
🗓️ Submission deadline: *2nd May 2026*
📰 Publication date: 12th May 2026
For more details and for the submission, please visit our Guidelines page
on Meta <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/South_Asia/Newsletter/Guidelines> [1]
and take a look at the WikiDhara March 2026 edition
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/South_Asia/Newsletter/March_2026> (our
first issue) [2] to see the kind of stories we feature.
Let’s continue to collaborate, share and celebrate the incredible work
happening across South Asia.
We look forward to your contributions.
Warm regards,
Jinoy
[1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/South_Asia/Newsletter/Guidelines
[2] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/South_Asia/Newsletter/March_2026
Dear Wikimedians,
We are pleased to announce the upcoming Indic Wikimedia Hackathon Hyderabad
2026, organized by Indic MediaWiki Developers User Group
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Indic_MediaWiki_Developers_User_Group>
(aka Indic-TechCom). The hackathon is scheduled to take place in Hyderabad
from 26 - 28 June 2026 (with 25 June as Day 0), in collaboration with the Open
Knowledge Initiatives team <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/IIITH-OKI>and OSDG
club <https://www.osdg.in/> at International Institute of Information
Technology, Hyderabad
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Institute_of_Information_Techno…>
.
Wikimedia hackathons are spaces for developers, designers, content editors,
and other community stakeholders to collaborate on building technical
solutions that help improve tools, workflows, and overall user experience
across Wikimedia projects.
The hackathon is intended for:
-
Technical contributors active in the Wikimedia technical ecosystem,
which includes developers, maintainers (admins/interface admins),
translators, designers, researchers, documentation writers etc.
-
Content contributors having an in-depth understanding of technical
issues in their homes Wikimedia projects like Wikipedia, Wikisource,
Wiktionary, etc.
-
Contributors to any other open-source community or have participated in
Wikimedia events in the past, and would like to get started with
contributing to Wikimedia technical spaces.
-
Participants may work on curated hackathon tasks and are also encouraged
to propose their own ideas, supported by a clear problem statement and a
proposed approach.
To encourage participation and support promising contributions, we have
scholarships to support participants' related expenses.
You can apply by filling out the form below:
Scholarship application form (Deadline: 2nd May 2026): Google form
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSej8JvGsvQ7mYmkXdUDriMrKNPajCqH4e3…>
A curated list of hackathon tasks will be shared with the selected
participants once the application review is finalized.
Further details, including the venue and program schedule, will also be
shared soon. We encourage you to follow the essential details & updates on
Meta-Wiki regarding this event.
Event Meta-Wiki page: Indic Wikimedia Hackathon Hyderabad 2026
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Indic_Wikimedia_Hackathon_Hyderabad_2026>
If you have any questions, concerns, or need any support with the
application reach out via the Meta-Wiki talk page
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk:Indic_Wikimedia_Hackathon…>
or email at contact(a)indicmediawikidev.org
Best regards,
Indic MediaWiki Developers User Group
Greetings Everyone,
The theme for *WikiConference India* 2026 has officially been
revealed: "Reimagining
the Knowledge Commons." - Community Leadership in an Evolving Wikimedia
Ecosystem
As we gather at Kochi this September (4th-6th), this theme feels especially
meaningful. It’s not just about maintaining and contributing to knowledge.
It's more about rethinking how knowledge is created, shared, and sustained
in the rapidly changing world. This year, we will be gathering together to
reflect, discuss, and shape the conversations around:
-
Community Leadership in the trend of AI: In a time of declining trust in
online information and the rapid rise of AI-generated content,
strengthening community-led, human-created knowledge becomes more critical
than ever.
-
Empowering regional languages and local knowledge: Reimagining the
knowledge commons is not only about tools or platforms- it is also about
leadership. It is about ensuring that regional languages, local knowledge
systems and underrepresented histories remain at the heart of the global
movement.
-
Innovative models for open-access participation: It encourages us to
think beyond traditional editing and explore new ways of participation and
knowledge creation that reflect the diversity of India and South Asia.
Quick Reminder: Apply for the travel scholarship
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConference_India_2026/Scholarship> [1]
before the deadline tomorrow.
Let’s come together and be a part of the movement that shapes what comes
next for the Wikimedia ecosystem in South Asia!
Read the full announcement on Diff: [Link
<https://diff.wikimedia.org/2026/04/10/shaping-what-comes-next-reimagining-t…>
][2]
--
*WikiConference India 2026 Organizing team *
*[1] *https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConference_India_2026/Scholarship
[2]
https://diff.wikimedia.org/2026/04/10/shaping-what-comes-next-reimagining-t…
Dear all,
I hope this email finds you well. We wish you all a very Happy 2026!
We are reaching out to kickstart our conversation for the upcoming
iteration of Wikimedia Technology Summit (WTS)
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Technology_Summit>. The Open
Knowledge Initiatives (OKI) <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/IIITH-OKI>
team housed at the International Institute of
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Institute_of_Information_Techno…>Information
Technology, Hyderabad (IIIT-H)
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Institute_of_Information_Techno…>,
would like to express its interest in leading and organising the Wikimedia
Technology Summit 2026 (WTS 2026). OKI is prepared to take on the
responsibility of organising this conference and supporting volunteers'
participation.
We invite all the members of the Wikimedia communities to fill out the
Community Engagement Survey form and share your opinions and suggestions
for the proposal and planning of the WTS 2026. Your feedback is crucial in
determining the feasibility and direction of the upcoming conference.
Please find the form link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNglquNkmoHGPqXeFsCAtJ27sbSSnWPWa…
The deadline for submitting the form is January 31, 2026. With your input,
we aim to finalise our plans and prepare the proposal for WTS 2026.
We look forward to working together with you all to make Wikimedia
Technology Summit 2026 a successful and impactful event.
Regards,
Nivas
Open Knowledge Initiatives Team
IIIT-Hyderabad
Note: This communication is being sent from my personal email address due
to unavoidable logistical constraints, notwithstanding that it pertains to
official matters. We regret any inconvenience caused and will ensure that
future correspondence is routed through the appropriate official channels.
Hello all,
Hope you all are doing well!
As you all may know the Open Community Call
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/South_Asia_Open_Community_Call> is a
community call for South Asian Wikimedia Community members, we are excited
to announce that the next South Asia Open Community call will be happening
this month on *24 August 2025*. The detailed agenda, etherpad, call
timings, and meeting link will be updated soon on the meta page
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/South_Asia_Open_Community_Call>.
Please add the following to your respective calendars and we look forward
to seeing you on the call.
[SAOCC] Open Community Call
Date: 24 August 2025
Time: 1800-1900 [6 pm to 7 pm] (IST)
Google Link: https://meet.google.com/ffs-izis-bow
Please join the General Chat telegram group <https://t.me/+X9RLByiOxpAyNDZl> to
share your ideas, thoughts, inputs, suggestions, or questions.
Alternatively, you can also leave us a message on the talk page
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:WikiConference_India_2023/Open_Communi…>
.
Look forward to connecting with you all,
Thank you!
Warm regards,
Nitesh
Dear all,
I hope you are doing well.
We are pleased to inform you that the deadline to submit your Expression of
Interest has been extended until 26 August. The Advanced Train the Trainer
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/IIITH-OKI/Advance_Train_The_Trainer_2025>
(ATTT)
2025 will be held on 10, 11, and 12 October 2025 at IIIT-Hyderabad.
ATTT is designed for experienced Wikimedians who have or have not
previously participated in Train the Trainer, but wish to further develop
their leadership, thematic expertise, and practical application skills. The
training will run in two thematic tracks:
-
Evaluation, Impact, and Data Storytelling – Learn to measure, analyse,
and narrate the impact of Wikimedia initiatives through hands-on labs and
peer feedback.
-
Project Design: From Learning to Action – Work on a 3-month project with
mentoring and planning tools, turning learning into impactful,
context-driven initiatives.
Event Dates: 10 to 12 October, 2025
Apply here: Expression of Interest form
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/IIITH-OKI/Advance_Train_The_Trainer_2025/Ex…>Deadline
to apply (extended): 26 August 2025
We will share further updates with you soon.
Note: If you are unsure about which track to choose, please still submit
your application by answering the questions thoroughly. Our team will
review it and assign you to the most suitable track. If you are not
comfortable applying directly on Meta, you may send your proposal (using
the Meta template and with a valid reason) to nitesh(a)research.iiit.ac.in.
If selected, the OKI team will publish it on Meta on your behalf.
We look forward to receiving your applications and working together to
shape impactful Wikimedia leadership!
Regards,
Nitesh,
Open Knowledge Initiatives Team
IIIT-Hyderabad
Note: This communication is being sent from my personal email address due
to unavoidable logistical constraints, notwithstanding that it pertains to
official matters. We regret any inconvenience caused and will ensure that
future correspondence is routed through the appropriate official channels.
Dear all,
Hope you are doing well.
We are glad to announce that the Open Knowledge Initiatives (OKI) team at
IIIT-Hyderabad is organizing the Advance Train the Trainer (ATTT) 2025,
tentatively scheduled for the second week of October 2025 at IIIT-Hyderabad.
This event is designed for experienced Wikimedians who have been part of the
Train the Trainer earlier and who are eager to deepen their leadership,
thematic expertise, and real-world application skills. The training will
run in parallel tracks, each focusing on an area that’s vital for the
future of Wikimedia in India and beyond.
Participants are required to select one of the two tracks (mentioned below)
based on their area of interest and experience:
Evaluation, Impact, and Data Storytelling Learn how to measure, analyze,
and narrate the real impact of Wikimedia initiatives. This track will
empower you to make data-informed decisions, advocate for program growth,
and turn metrics into meaningful stories through hands-on labs and peer
feedback.
Project Design Challenge: From Learning to Action This challenge is
embedded across tracks but includes a dedicated support structure for
designing a 3-month project. With planning tools, mentoring, and outcome
presentations, participants will convert learning into action by developing
impactful, context-driven initiatives.
Apply Now: Expression of Interest form
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/IIITH-OKI/Advance_Train_The_Trainer_2025/Ex…>
Deadline to apply: 20 August 2025
Please note that selected participants will be expected to commit fully to
the track experience and project development. Kindly read the instructions
carefully.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us. We look forward to
receiving your Expression of Interest and working together to shape
impactful Wikimedia leadership!
Kindly note that if you are not comfortable applying directly on Meta, you
may provide a valid reason and submit your proposal, following the Meta
template, via email to nitesh(a)research.iiit.ac.in. If your application is
selected, the OKI team will publish it on Meta on your behalf.
Regards, on behalf of Nitesh Open Knowledge Initiatives Team
IIIT-Hyderabad
*Note:* This communication is being sent from my personal email address due
to unavoidable logistical constraints, notwithstanding that it pertains to
official matters. We regret any inconvenience caused and will ensure that
future correspondence is routed through the appropriate official channels.
Dear all,
Hope you all are doing well!
This email is a reminder for this month's South Asia Open Community Call
that is happening today (20 July 2025) from 6 pm to 7 pm.
Date: 20 July 2025
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Google Link: https://meet.google.com/ffs-izis-bow
Etherpad link: https://etherpad.wikimedia.org/p/South_Asia_Community_Call
Agenda:
– First 25-30 mins will be blocked for a couple of topics
– 2nd Half for open space for community sharing and discussions
– Any announcements or opportunities from affiliates, user groups, or
individuals (last 5 Mins)
This call is open to all individuals, affiliates, and volunteers alike and we
welcome you all to join and be part of the conversation.
We are looking forward to your participation!
Regards,
Nitesh and Nivas