Wikipedia is asking donations from Indian users as they are running out of funds

By Shivangi Chawla

As we all know that Wikipedia is a one-stop solution for all that we need to know about anybody or anything.
Over the years, Indians have used Wikipedia for a variety of purposes. The free online storehouse of information on all things we need to know, it has been a true friend and guide, ensuring that many science projects got made, many examinations passed, information on films and musicians gathered and books.
Even if you search something on Google, there’s a 90 percent chance that the first link the search engine shows is going to be that of a Wikipedia page. And that’s how the information portal is recognized all over the globe.
On Wednesday, Wikipedia which is run by the Wikimedia Foundation posted an “awkward” message for its Indian readers, urging readers to not “scroll past” the notice.
We humbly ask you to defend Wikipedia’s independence. 98% of our readers don’t give; they simply look the other way,” the message read. “If you donate just Rs 150, Wikipedia could keep thriving for years,” it continued.
Most people donate because Wikipedia is useful. If Wikipedia has given you Rs 150 worth of knowledge this year, take a minute to donate. Show the volunteers who bring you reliable, neutral information that their work matters.”
This is not the first time that organization has taken to social media to seek support from its readers.
In August last year, a similar message appeared on the Wikipedia website, seeking donations from readers to continue running the online page.
It seems, however, that the not-for-profit organization behind everyone’s favorite online encyclopedia needs its readers.

Although Wikipedia is a free website, all of the content on it is collated, managed, and edited by a group of volunteers around the world. There is substantial capital that is required to run the website operations, and that is why it is seeking monetary help.
In the notification posted by the platform, Wikipedia said that it is willing to accept donations as low as Rs 150, although users can opt to pay even more.
“We’re a non-profit that depends on donations to stay online and thriving, but 98% of our readers don’t give; they simply look the other way. If everyone who reads Wikipedia gave just a little, we could keep Wikipedia thriving for years to come. The price of a cup of coffee is all we ask.”
Jimmy Wales, Founder, Wikimedia Foundation