Dear Wikimedians,

The traction for Wikimedia projects and content in Indian languages (and Indian content in English) has been growing over the last decade thanks to the passion and tireless contributions of several Wikimedians. We are getting set for WikiConference India 2011 which is around the corner. The Wikimedia Chapter Executive Committee (EC) and the Conference organising team thought it is appropriate to recognize the most noteworthy contributors to Indian language projects and Indian content in English during the conference.

Arun Ramarathnam and Naveen Francis from the EC are leading this initiative. The process for the recognition has been prepared and a well diversified Jury is identified. Details of the process and the Jury are enclosed for your perusal.

I would like to appeal to all of you to spare few minutes to think of fellow wikimedians who made a significant difference over the first decade of Wikimedia movement and nominate them for the recognition.

Further communication on the wiki based nomination form would follow from the Jury. Please spread this communication across other relevant lists and participate enthusiastically and help make this initiative, the first collective effort to appreciate stellar contributions from the community a success.

Cheers

Arjuna Rao Chavala

President, Wikimedia India

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Noteworthy Wikimedian Recognition

The Recognition

Wikimedia projects have been active in India for a few years and the journey has been exciting (Wikimedia Chapter First Annual report, Gautam John's article and Wikimedia Foundation article). This has been made possible by the contributions of hundreds of Wikimedians across various Wikimedia projects. WikiConference India 2011 is the first conference and largest congregation of Wikimedians in India across Wikimedia projects. The Wikimedia India chapter Executive committee believes it would be befitting to use this opportunity to recognize noteworthy contributions of some of the best contributors to our projects.

The objective of this recognition is to appreciate Wikimedians (contributing to India focused projects) from across Wikimedia projects and languages for their contributions.

The nomination process

Any Wikimedian can nominate any other wikimedian of their choice for the recognition (preferred). Self nominations are also allowed.

Nominees for the Recognition should have made significant contributions to Wikimedia India projects or the movement. Contributions include content, Outreach and contributions in any other form.
Nominations should be through a filled Nomination form on the Wikimedia India wiki.
Incomplete nominations will not be considered.
The jury's decision would be final.

Eligibility Criterion

Any wikimedian other than current Members of the Wikimedia India Executive committee, members of the Jury, Wiki Conference India Office bearers, staff/contractors of the Wikimedia foundation or anyone paid directly for their time/effort by Wikimedia organisations are eligible for these recognitions.

The Jury

Jury constitution
The chapter has constituted a Jury with members from the Chapter Executive committee, Wikimedia Foundation India office, Conference organisers and Community and other key stakeholders.

Jury composition

Achal Prabhala
Arun Ramarathnam
Ashwin Baindur
Bishaka Datta
Hisham Mundol
Jayanta Nath
Naveen Francis
Pradeep Mohandas
Shiju Alex

Jury's role and responsibility
The role of the jury will be to select Wikimedians for the recognition from the nominations made.

Key dates

Announcement of call for nominations to community: 9th Nov 2011, Wednesday.
Last date for nomination submission:13th Nov 2011, Sunday
Finalisation of Jury decision:17th Nov 2011, Thursday

The Recognition ceremony

The Chapter Executive committee will conduct a formal recognition ceremony in the WikiConference 2011 to recognise the winners. The winners would be given a certificate/citation.
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