Community Resources and Partnerships/India Rapid Project/Wiki Loves Documentation – Assam Chapter
Applicant
edit- Main Wikimedia username. (required)
Ani_ttbr
- Organization
N/A
- If you are a group or organization leader, board member, president, executive director, or staff member at any Wikimedia group, affiliate, or Wikimedia Foundation, you are required to self-identify and present all roles. (required)
N/A
- Describe all relevant roles with the name of the group or organization and description of the role. (required)
N/A
Project
edit- 1. Please state the title of your proposal. This will also be the Meta-Wiki page title.
Wiki Loves Documentation – Assam Chapter
- 2. and 3. Proposed start and end dates for the proposal.
2024-12-01 - 2025-01-31
- 4. Where will this proposal be implemented? (required)
India
- 5. Are your activities part of a Wikimedia movement campaign, project, or event? If so, please select the relevant project or campaign. (required)
Other (please specify) Project Tiger 2.0 Wikisource Loves Manuscripts Learning Partners Network
- 6. What is the change you are trying to bring? What are the main challenges or problems you are trying to solve? Describe this change or challenges, as well as main approaches to achieve it. (required)
In today's globalized world, traditional cultural elements are at risk of disappearing, and the Assamese community is not immune to this phenomenon. The Assamese community boasts a rich cultural tapestry, making it essential to document and showcase its cultural and traditional treasures. Currently, several small organizations, including public, private, and informal groups, are working to document Assamese heritage. However, their efforts often suffer from poor dissemination, limited visibility, and inadequate management of intellectual property rights. This makes it challenging to utilize these resources effectively, especially for academic purposes.
For instance, many valuable documents, such as Xaasi Paat Puthi (ancient manuscripts), are held in individual collections that lack scientific preservation methods. In some cases, these collections have been lost due to natural calamities like floods. Additionally, during visits to various monasteries, it was observed that many people are unfamiliar with the traditional scripts used in these documents.
This situation represents a significant opportunity to enhance online knowledge by providing credible and reliable information about Assam’s unique culture, history, and diverse perspectives. There is substantial potential to bridge the gap between Assam's rich cultural heritage and the global reach of Wikimedia projects. Our goal is to preserve and promote Assamese culture through improved documentation and increased accessibility.
In pursuit of this goal, we are planning to launch the documentation project called "Wiki Loves Documentation Assam Chapter". To achieve this, we plan to develop resources in multiple formats - such as videos, audio recordings, and written articles - that will contribute to various Wiki projects. This documentation effort will encourage collaboration among different communities and enable a deeper exploration of the anthropological roots of Assam's ethnic groups. By making this information more accessible and engaging, we aim to foster open education and raise awareness about the importance of preserving Assamese cultural heritage.
- 7. What are the planned activities? (required) Please provide a list of main activities. You can also add a link to the public page for your project where details about your project can be found. Alternatively, you can upload a timeline document. When the activities include partnerships, include details about your partners and planned partnerships.
By following these steps, our initiative can successfully bridge the gap between Assamese cultural knowledge and global accessibility, enriching both academic research and public understanding.
- Creating a comprehensive inventory of existing materials such as manuscripts and oral traditions. This will provide a clear understanding of their preservation status. Additionally, evaluating the gaps in documentation, preservation, and dissemination will highlight how these deficiencies impact academic and cultural knowledge.
- Promoting and sharing knowledge: Hosting workshops and seminars will be organized to preserve Assamese culture and provide opportunities for community engagement. Additionally, providing training for local custodians on best practices for preservation and documentation will enhance the overall effort. Building partnerships with educational institutions, cultural organizations, and international bodies will further support and promote the initiative. Specifically, a preservation strategy will be developed by collaborating with experts to implement modern preservation techniques for both physical and digital materials to ensure their longevity. Expanding collaborations with local and international entities will further strengthen the initiative's reach and impact. Leveraging social media platforms to share stories, images, and information about the documentation process will help in reaching a broader audience.
- Enhancing documentation and accessibility: Documenting Assamese cultural materials - encompassing manuscripts, audio recordings, videos, and written articles - will facilitate easier access and use. Standardizing formats for these materials will further streamline their integration into a cohesive repository. Offering content in multiple languages, including Assamese, English, and other relevant languages, will broaden its reach and impact.
- Engaging with Wikimedia projects: Collaborating with Wikimedia Commons and WikiProject Assam to upload and maintain cultural materials will ensure they are widely accessible. Expanding Wikipedia entries related to Assamese culture, history, and traditions based on newly documented resources will contribute valuable information to the global knowledge base. Encouraging local scholars, students, and enthusiasts to contribute will enrich the content with diverse perspectives.
- 8. Describe your team. Please provide their roles, Wikimedia Usernames and other details. (required) Include more details of the team, including their roles, usernames, Wikimedia group, and whether they are salaried, volunteers, consultants/contractors, etc.
- Animesh Borah (User Name: Ani_ttbr) - Primary Contact, Documentation, Creation of event page and subpages, Documentation of GLAM activities, Training/workshops.
- Bhaskar Bhuyan (User Name: BhuyanBhaskar) - Documentation, Training/workshops, Social Media Publications.
- Nayan Jyoti Nath (User Name: Nayan j Nath) - Primary Contact, Documentation, Training/workshops, Social Media Publications.
- Pranamika Adhikari (User Name: Pranamikaadhikary) - Documentation, Training/workshops, Social Media Publications.
- Rumi Borah (User Name: Rumi Borah~aswiki) - Documentation, Training/workshops.
- 9. Who are the target participants and from which community? How will you engage participants before and during the activities? How will you follow up with participants after the activities? (required)
The "Wiki Loves Documentation Assam Chapter" project primarily targets individuals and groups dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Assamese culture. This includes local historians and cultural experts with a deep understanding of Assamese history and traditions, as well as cultural organizations like museums, cultural centers, community clubs, and heritage groups. Monastic communities, which hold traditional manuscripts and cultural artifacts, are also key participants. Additionally, the project engages students and academics studying Assamese history, anthropology, or cultural studies, alongside local communities and elders who possess valuable traditional knowledge and oral histories.
Pre-Activity Engagement:
- Social Media and Local Outreach: Conduct outreach through social media, local newspapers, and community events to inform potential participants about the project and its goals. These events will make it easier for potential participants to understand the project’s impact and significance.
- Introductory Workshops: Organize workshops to introduce the project and its objectives. These sessions will detail how participants can contribute and benefit from the initiative. Use these workshops as networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with each other and with project coordinators. Building these connections early will foster a sense of community and collaboration.
During Activities: During the activities, focus on providing comprehensive training sessions to develop participants' skills in documentation techniques, including handling and preserving manuscripts. Ensure participants feel confident in these tasks to enhance the quality of their contributions. Facilitate interactive sessions that allow participants to engage actively in creating content, such as recording interviews, or filming videos. Organize open sessions where participants can share their experiences and insights, promoting community engagement and collaboration. Recognize and celebrate the contributions of participants to keep them motivated and reinforce their sense of involvement in the project.
Follow-Up with Participants after Activities: After the activities, engage in comprehensive follow-up with participants to maintain their connection and involvement. Collect feedback through surveys or interviews to understand their experiences and gather suggestions for improvement, demonstrating that their opinions are valued and helping to refine future activities. Acknowledge and celebrate their contributions through appreciation events or communications, such as public recognition, certificates, or thank-you notes, reinforcing their sense of accomplishment and commitment. Maintain ongoing communication by providing regular updates and newsletters about the project's progress and upcoming opportunities, ensuring continued engagement. Additionally, share the impact of their contributions by showcasing the project's outcomes through social media, reports, or community presentations, highlighting the difference their involvement has made.
By implementing these strategies, "Wiki Loves Documentation Assam Chapter" aims to effectively engage participants at every stage of the project, ensuring their active involvement and ongoing support. Further, it will help to build a robust network of participants dedicated to preserving and promoting Assamese cultural heritage.
- 9.1. If your project includes in-person activities, are there any international participants travelling to India for them? (required)
- No
- 9.1.1. List all countries of participation. (required)
- 9.2. Will the project be transferring funds to any international participants? (required)
- No
- 9.2.1. List all international participants receiving funding and their countries. (required)
- 10. Does your project involve work with children or youth? (required)
- No
- 10.1. Please provide a link to your Youth Safety Policy. (required) If the proposal indicates direct contact with children or youth, you are required to outline compliance with international and local laws for working with children and youth, and provide a youth safety policy aligned with these laws. Read more here.
N/A
- 11. How did you discuss the idea of your project with your community members and/or any relevant groups? Please describe steps taken and provide links to any on-wiki community discussion(s) about the proposal. (required) You need to inform the community and/or group, discuss the project with them, and involve them in planning this proposal. You also need to align the activities with other projects happening in the planned area of implementation to ensure collaboration within the community.
On Assamese Wikipedia Village Pump, I proposed the idea of documenting manuscripts found in Assam. The idea was approved by all the members.Discussion Link.
- 12. Does your proposal aim to work to bridge any of the content knowledge gaps (Knowledge Inequity)? Select one option that most apply to your work. (required)
Cultural background, ethnicity, religion, racial
- 13. Does your proposal include any of these areas or thematic focus? Select one option that most applies to your work. (required)
Culture, heritage or GLAM
- 14. Will your work focus on involving participants from any underrepresented communities? Select one option that most apply to your work. (required)
Linguistic / Language
- 15. In what ways do you think your proposal most contributes to the Movement Strategy 2030 recommendations. Select one that most applies. (required)
Innovate in Free Knowledge
Metrics
edit- 17. What do you hope to learn from your work in this project or proposal? (required)
- 1. How do our outreach efforts impact community awareness and engagement?
- 2. How do participants perceive their roles and contributions within the project?
- 3. What collaborative networks emerge from our activities, and how do they enhance documentation efforts?
- 4. What tangible impact does the project have on the preservation and visibility of Assamese cultural heritage?
- 18. What are your Wikimedia project targets in numbers (metrics)? (required)
| Other Metrics | Target | Optional description |
|---|---|---|
| Number of participants | 30 | The number of participants in all activities is 30. Out of these we are targeting 10 new participants tat will be involved with the project. |
| Number of editors | 10 | The number of editors in the project will be 10. |
| Number of organizers | 5 |
| Wikimedia project | Number of content created or improved |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | 5 |
| Wikimedia Commons | 30 |
| Wikidata | 10 |
| Wiktionary | |
| Wikisource | |
| Wikimedia Incubator | |
| Translatewiki | |
| MediaWiki | |
| Wikiquote | |
| Wikivoyage | |
| Wikibooks | |
| Wikiversity | |
| Wikinews | |
| Wikispecies | |
| Wikifunctions or Abstract Wikipedia |
- Optional description for content contributions.
Minimum five articles will be written about the locations where the project will take place. Interviews will be conducted, and photographs of the locations and manuscripts will be captured. In total, approximately 30 files are expected to be uploaded.
- 19. Do you have any other project targets in numbers (metrics)? (optional)
No
| Main Open Metrics | Description | Target |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
- 20. What tools would you use to measure each metrics? Please refer to the guide for a list of tools. You can also write that you are not sure and need support. (required)
Number of participants Number of editors Number of organizersNumber of new content contributions per Wikimedia projectDiversity of participants brought in by grantees Number of people reached through social media publications
Budget
edit- 21. Please upload your budget for this proposal or indicate the link to it. (required)
- 22. What is the amount you are requesting for this proposal? Please provide the amount in Indian Rupees. (required)
158410 INR
- 22.1. Convert the amount requested into USD using the Oanda converter. This is done to help you assess the USD equivalent of the requested amount. Your request should be between 500 - 5,000 USD. (required)
1883.76 USD
- We/I have read the Application Privacy Statement and Universal Code of Conduct.
Yes
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