Two Day Workshop with Samskrit Professors on Samskrit Wiki

A Two day workshop on Samskrit Wiki was organized by Samskrit Wiki Group on 14th and 15th of February, 2015, at Samskrita Bharati, Aksharam, Bangalore. The key participants were professors drawn from various Universities like Rashtriya Samskrit Samsthan (Shrungeri & Puri campuses), Karnataka Samskrit University, Samskrit Academy (Hyderabad), etc.

Objective
The focus of the workshop was on, “ how the various Universities and their faculties could actively participate in taking the Samskrit Wikipedia forward in an effective manner.

Lecturers/Presenters
Dr. Srinivas Varkhedi, V/C (i/c) of Karnataka Samskrit University inaugurated the programme on 14th Feb and delivered his presidential address on Wikipedia –its usefulness and the role of Universities and Professors. This was followed by a lucid lecture by Mr. Arun Ramaratnam (Founder Member, WMF, India Chapter), who brought out clearly the scope and the need for leveraging Technology to grow, sustain the growth and keep the stake holders engaged. Prof. Mahadevan, IIM, Bangalore, in his lecture also indicated the need for embracing modern technology available particularly in the field of research work done in Sanskrit at the various institutions.

Rahmanuddin Shaik and Dr. Pavanaja both Programme officers in CIS, discussed about the projects like Wikisource, Wikiquote, Wiktionary and Wikiprojects undertaken and to be undertaken. Shubha Sa.wikipedian and co ordinator for Samskrit Wiki wing, Samskrita Bharati, gave a talk about the challenges that are faced while handling the projects and remedial measures required, and the nuances in editing the articles. Sayant Mahato, another active Sa. Wikipedian, described about the Samskrit Shastra Projects. Shri Srinivasan, PRO from Samskrita Bharati suggested innovative ways in increasing the viewership of Sa.Wiki.

Participants' Response
The Participants, drawn from the teaching community of various Universities, were given ‘hands on’ training. They not only appreciated the practical experience, but have agreed to create greater awareness about Samskrit Wikipedia among the student community. It was very heartening to note the enthusiasm displayed by them and the various suggestions they put forward for enhancing the popularity of Samskrit Wikipedia. Anand Viswanathan was the Master of Ceremonies for the entire programme. The programme concluded with a valedictory address by Satyanarayana Bhat, All India Committee Member, Samskrita Bharati and Sri Arun Ramaratnam, WMF, India Chapter.

Volunteers
The event was ably supported by the assistance from other Samskrit wikipedians -
 * V T Narayanan,
 * Bahallika Rao ,
 * Vaishnavi,
 * Mahalakshmi Prasanna,
 * Premalata Kanth,
 * Shailaja Rao and
 * Madhava Arya.

Thanks
The entire event acted as catalyst amongst the faculty members to popularize the Sa.Wikipedia in their respective educational institutions. Special mention is to be made about the excellent support given to the entire programme by CIS and their officers.