Farewell - WikimediaIndia-l - lists.wikimedia.org

Jyoti Prakash Nath

30 Jul 30 Jul

2:14 p.m.

New subject: [Wikimediaindia-l] Farewell

It was great to work with you. Thanx a lot for your support to the Assamese Wikipedia Community. Wish you a bright future ahead..... Goodbye Hisham Regards Jyoti Prakash Nath

...

________________________________ From: Hisham <hisham(a)wikimedia.org> To: Wikimedia India Community list <wikimediaindia-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org> Sent: Monday, 30 July 2012 4:11 PM Subject: [Wikimediaindia-l] Farewell Dear India Community I'm writing to inform you that I plan to leave my current role supporting Wikimedia in India. I am going to be exploring opportunities and evaluating options that are closer to my career aspirations and my personal circumstances. I will be working through to ensure that there is a smooth transition - and this is likely to take 2-3 months. I am writing now because I felt it appropriate and opportune to inform you as early as possible. I want to start off by thanking the Wikimedia community and movement for giving me this extraordinary opportunity. Working on something like India Program has been something that has been professionally enriching and personally fulfilling. Over the past 1 1/2 years, I have been supported by so many of you - and I want to thank you for everything you have done! The passion and intellectual firepower of our community has been my constant source of drive and guidance. There are so many examples of powerful stories from all over the country: the incredible efforts put in by the IEP Campus Ambassadors in Pune; the army of volunteers that drove the outreach push across the country in the first few months of this year; the beautiful stories of fantastic community initiatives from far and wide across the country and sub-continent, and indeed the world; the remarkable stories from so many communities - large, small and tiny ones! I want to thank the team that I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with - Nitika, Noopur, Shiju & Subha. You guys have been wonderful. The work that we are doing is experimental and we have been innovating every day, and I know the circumstances have not always been easy. Take strength and inspiration from the large number of community members who have been touched by you and appreciate your efforts and value your work. I will send an actual "over and out" message later. In the meantime, I will continue to work on everything that needs working on. Happy Editing! Warmest Regards, hisham _______________________________________________ Wikimediaindia-l mailing list Wikimediaindia-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org To unsubscribe from the list / change mailing preferences visit https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l

Reply

ViswaPrabha (വിശ്വപ്രഭ)

8:24 p.m.

New subject: [Wikimediaindia-l] Farewell

In the course of an epic, great men march in and march out. But some pages are made just for them. They would sit there within the volumes, get scribbled and read by a few and turn first pale and then golden over the time. Hisham, you have made a mark of your own. Time will recall you when the milestones get counted. And by then, have a great family life with the upcoming bonus bundle of joy! :)

...

From toddler to toddler, do you walk firm....! From Wikipedia (en-in... i.e.) to the blooming bud, do you march brave!

-Viswam On Mon, Jul 30, 2012 at 11:39 PM, Theo10011 <de10011(a)gmail.com> wrote:

...

On Mon, Jul 30, 2012 at 4:11 PM, Hisham <hisham(a)wikimedia.org> wrote:

Dear India Community I'm writing to inform you that I plan to leave my current role supporting Wikimedia in India. I am going to be exploring opportunities and evaluating options that are closer to my career aspirations and my personal circumstances. I will be working through to ensure that there is a smooth transition - and this is likely to take 2-3 months. I am writing now because I felt it appropriate and opportune to inform you as early as possible. I want to start off by thanking the Wikimedia community and movement for giving me this extraordinary opportunity. Working on something like India Program has been something that has been professionally enriching and personally fulfilling. Over the past 1 1/2 years, I have been supported by so many of you - and I want to thank you for everything you have done! The passion and intellectual firepower of our community has been my constant source of drive and guidance. There are so many examples of powerful stories from all over the country: the incredible efforts put in by the IEP Campus Ambassadors in Pune; the army of volunteers that drove the outreach push across the country in the first few months of this year; the beautiful stories of fantastic community initiatives from far and wide across the country and sub-continent, and indeed the world; the remarkable stories from so many communities - large, small and tiny ones! I want to thank the team that I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with - Nitika, Noopur, Shiju & Subha. You guys have been wonderful. The work that we are doing is experimental and we have been innovating every day, and I know the circumstances have not always been easy. Take strength and inspiration from the large number of community members who have been touched by you and appreciate your efforts and value your work. I will send an actual "over and out" message later. In the meantime, I will continue to work on everything that needs working on. Happy Editing! Warmest Regards, *hisham* * * _______________________________________________ Wikimediaindia-l mailing list Wikimediaindia-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org To unsubscribe from the list / change mailing preferences visit https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l

I am very surprised by this announcement. I wasn't expecting anything like this. What might seem surprising to learn is, I used to talk to Hisham since the beginning and we never really stopped talking in the last year. We would meet every month or so, for coffee or lunch. We disagreed about a lot of things, but absolutely none of it ever affected the personal relationship we had. I suppose we were capable of separating that. I certainly didn't make his job any easier, but I was always direct with my opinions. I hope he forgoes any transgressions. He would invite me to meet-ups, occasionally ask for help with something, and I helped when I could, sometimes even through our most strongest disagreements. I could disagree with him, criticize him in the strongest tone, and yet, we can still sit down for lunch and laugh. I could ask him for life advice, talk about our families, and none of it had to be about Wikimedia. This was an unfortunate situation, and I never really had a direct problem with Hisham. It was the larger decisions and the position he was placed in. I would hold others responsible before him, as I have an inkling that even this was someone else's decision. I'm going to miss talking to him. Kind Regards Theo P.S. Remember me and smile, for it's better to forget than to remember me and cry. _______________________________________________ Wikimediaindia-l mailing list Wikimediaindia-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org To unsubscribe from the list / change mailing preferences visit https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l

Reply

Deepon Saha

31 Jul 31 Jul

4:53 a.m.

New subject: [Wikimediaindia-l] Farewell

I really don't know what to say, you never expect this kind of mail in the inbox while simply doing a routine check at 8am.. Hisham has been very supportive from each & every aspect...Be it the education program/outreach sessions/innovative ideas to promote Wikipedia. Many disagreed with his viewpoint, but that never hampered the personal relationship they had with Hisham. Personally, I am not going to miss Hisham, no, as I will still be in touch with him & I am sure he will keep on editing in Wikipedia with the same passion...:) But yes, we will miss him on a professional level. I think Viswaprabha expressed everything we all intend to say.. Here's wishing you all the best for your future endeavor!!! :) :) Take care, Deepon On Tue, Jul 31, 2012 at 1:49 AM, Samuel Klein <meta.sj(a)gmail.com> wrote:

...

Hisham, You will be dearly missed! Viswam, your note was most beautiful. Sam. On Mon, Jul 30, 2012 at 2:24 PM, ViswaPrabha (വിശ്വപ്രഭ) < viswaprabha(a)gmail.com> wrote:

In the course of an epic, great men march in and march out. But some pages are made just for them. They would sit there within the volumes, get scribbled and read by a few and turn first pale and then golden over the time. Hisham, you have made a mark of your own. Time will recall you when the milestones get counted. And by then, have a great family life with the upcoming bonus bundle of joy! :) From toddler to toddler, do you walk firm....! From Wikipedia (en-in... i.e.) to the blooming bud, do you march brave! -Viswam On Mon, Jul 30, 2012 at 11:39 PM, Theo10011 <de10011(a)gmail.com> wrote:

On Mon, Jul 30, 2012 at 4:11 PM, Hisham <hisham(a)wikimedia.org> wrote:

Dear India Community I'm writing to inform you that I plan to leave my current role supporting Wikimedia in India. I am going to be exploring opportunities and evaluating options that are closer to my career aspirations and my personal circumstances. I will be working through to ensure that there is a smooth transition - and this is likely to take 2-3 months. I am writing now because I felt it appropriate and opportune to inform you as early as possible. I want to start off by thanking the Wikimedia community and movement for giving me this extraordinary opportunity. Working on something like India Program has been something that has been professionally enriching and personally fulfilling. Over the past 1 1/2 years, I have been supported by so many of you - and I want to thank you for everything you have done! The passion and intellectual firepower of our community has been my constant source of drive and guidance. There are so many examples of powerful stories from all over the country: the incredible efforts put in by the IEP Campus Ambassadors in Pune; the army of volunteers that drove the outreach push across the country in the first few months of this year; the beautiful stories of fantastic community initiatives from far and wide across the country and sub-continent, and indeed the world; the remarkable stories from so many communities - large, small and tiny ones! I want to thank the team that I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with - Nitika, Noopur, Shiju & Subha. You guys have been wonderful. The work that we are doing is experimental and we have been innovating every day, and I know the circumstances have not always been easy. Take strength and inspiration from the large number of community members who have been touched by you and appreciate your efforts and value your work. I will send an actual "over and out" message later. In the meantime, I will continue to work on everything that needs working on. Happy Editing! Warmest Regards, *hisham* * * _______________________________________________ Wikimediaindia-l mailing list Wikimediaindia-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org To unsubscribe from the list / change mailing preferences visit https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l

I am very surprised by this announcement. I wasn't expecting anything like this. What might seem surprising to learn is, I used to talk to Hisham since the beginning and we never really stopped talking in the last year. We would meet every month or so, for coffee or lunch. We disagreed about a lot of things, but absolutely none of it ever affected the personal relationship we had. I suppose we were capable of separating that. I certainly didn't make his job any easier, but I was always direct with my opinions. I hope he forgoes any transgressions. He would invite me to meet-ups, occasionally ask for help with something, and I helped when I could, sometimes even through our most strongest disagreements. I could disagree with him, criticize him in the strongest tone, and yet, we can still sit down for lunch and laugh. I could ask him for life advice, talk about our families, and none of it had to be about Wikimedia. This was an unfortunate situation, and I never really had a direct problem with Hisham. It was the larger decisions and the position he was placed in. I would hold others responsible before him, as I have an inkling that even this was someone else's decision. I'm going to miss talking to him. Kind Regards Theo P.S. Remember me and smile, for it's better to forget than to remember me and cry. _______________________________________________ Wikimediaindia-l mailing list Wikimediaindia-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org To unsubscribe from the list / change mailing preferences visit https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l

_______________________________________________ Wikimediaindia-l mailing list Wikimediaindia-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org To unsubscribe from the list / change mailing preferences visit https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l

-- Samuel Klein @metasj w:user:sj +1 617 529 4266 _______________________________________________ Wikimediaindia-l mailing list Wikimediaindia-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org To unsubscribe from the list / change mailing preferences visit https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l

Reply

Arun Ramarathnam

1 Aug 1 Aug

7:52 a.m.

New subject: [Wikimediaindia-l] Farewell

Dear Hisham,, This note from you did come as a surprise. It is sad to see anyone leave the movement. Sorry to hear you are leaving. Thanks for your efforts for the movement thus far. And best wishes for all your future endeavours. And do stay in touch. Regards Arun On 30-Jul-2012, at 4:11 PM, Hisham <hisham(a)wikimedia.org> wrote:

...

Dear India Community I'm writing to inform you that I plan to leave my current role supporting Wikimedia in India. I am going to be exploring opportunities and evaluating options that are closer to my career aspirations and my personal circumstances. I will be working through to ensure that there is a smooth transition - and this is likely to take 2-3 months. I am writing now because I felt it appropriate and opportune to inform you as early as possible. I want to start off by thanking the Wikimedia community and movement for giving me this extraordinary opportunity. Working on something like India Program has been something that has been professionally enriching and personally fulfilling. Over the past 1 1/2 years, I have been supported by so many of you - and I want to thank you for everything you have done! The passion and intellectual firepower of our community has been my constant source of drive and guidance. There are so many examples of powerful stories from all over the country: the incredible efforts put in by the IEP Campus Ambassadors in Pune; the army of volunteers that drove the outreach push across the country in the first few months of this year; the beautiful stories of fantastic community initiatives from far and wide across the country and sub-continent, and indeed the world; thremarkable stories from so many communities - large, small and tiny ones! I want to thank the team that I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with - Nitika, Noopur, Shiju & Subha. You guys have been wonderful. The work that we are doing is experimental and we have been innovating every day, and I know the circumstances have not always been easy. Take strength and inspiration from the large number of community members who have been touched by you and appreciate your efforts and value your work. I will send an actual "over and out" message later. In the meantime, I will continue to work on everything that needs working on. Happy Editing! Warmest Regards, hisham _______________________________________________ Wikimediaindia-l mailing list Wikimediaindia-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org To unsubscribe from the list / change mailing preferences visit https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l

Reply

ViswaPrabha (വിശ്വപ്രഭ)

8:11 a.m.

New subject: [Wikimediaindia-l] Farewell

*#1.* There is always a way to look at happenings positively. Even falls and failures, if at all they do happen, are valuable lessons! To me, that is the greatest lesson and principle I have learnt from editing Wikipedia itself. Wikipedia constantly compelled me to realize my own mistakes (edits) and correct. Every instance of them was a positive milestone. *#2.* On lamenting about stillborn help, just as a matter of fact and point of order: In our small community, we are very much aware of the possible help (*and our standard rights and privileges to that*) from chapter or IP/foundation. But so far, when we need help, we do not yearn for that from higher ups. Instead, we seek help from 'bottom downs'. Instead of San Francisco, Delhi or Bangalore, we try, get and accomplish assistance from little kids and humble rural people. And that we get immensely. (And vice versa, our community members have helped the chapter We have been able to digitize and upsource entire volumes of ancient texts to our Wikisources and elsewhere through pleasant collaboration from primary school kids from hitherto unknown villages. Our most successful outreach programs were conducted by infrastructural and program assistance from barely internet-powered commons. Perhaps, the only time we have sought help or assistance from chapter / IP / WMF was when we conducted our massive outreach program (Wikisangamotsavam) a few months back. And we are very content and thankful for whatever they provided. We even did not distinguish who among them were providing. My humble opinion: Grow your community bottom up. Grow self-reliant as far as possible. Your rights will always be reserved and accumulated for more needy and pressing occasions. -just a bottom level community member from ml.wikipedia.org On Wed, Aug 1, 2012 at 11:28 AM, Ravishankar <ravidreams(a)gmail.com> wrote:

...

Hi all, Whatever has been done through the IP, both the community and WMF are

equally responsible. It is not good to attribute failure or sucess to anyone.

When some one is leaving any movement, it is basic courtesy to wish him

well. By doing so, he or she will have good memories of the movement and may remain a life long ambassador for us. This is not the time to evaluate anyone's performance. Ravi

Ravi +1.

Reply