Commemorating Ulo Senthamizh Kodai (1945 – 2024): A Luminary of Tamil Open Knowledge Movement

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Ulo Senthamizh Kodai (December 22, 1945 – February 1, 2024), a distinguished technologist, author, academician, and prolific contributor to the Tamil Wikipedia community.[1] Born on December 22, 1945, in the village of Puducherrypalli in Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, India, He devoted his life to engineering, science, and promoting scientific knowledge in Tamil.

Ulo Senthamizh Kodai earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Guindy Engineering College and a Master’s degree from PSG College of Technology in Coimbatore. His illustrious 33-year career at the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board included earning a Ph.D. He authored the acclaimed book “Makkal Ariviyal Ilakkiyam: Nokkum Pokkum” and received the Tamil Nadu Government’s award for best book in engineering and technology in 2007.

Passionate about Tamil Nadu’s science and technology history, Ulo Senthamizh Kodai contributed extensively to scientific vocabulary in Tamil. He served on the editorial board of the Bharathidasan University Journal of Science and Technology and significantly contributed to the Tamil Virtual Academy‘s glossary of technical terms.

In addition to academia, He was a luminary in the Tamil Wikipedia community, starting his contributions in 2014. He created over 2000 articles and had an edit count of 28513 in Tamil Wikipedia, focusing mainly on scientific articles. He was actively involved until his final days, participating in discussions and editing articles until January 29, 2024.

Ulo Senthamizh Kodai leaves behind a legacy continued by his son Vanchi. His impact on Tamil science and the Wikipedia community is immeasurable, with notable contributions to projects like the 100 WikiDays and the Tamil Teachers’ Articles Cleanup Drive.

Members of the Tamil Wikipedia community mourn his passing. Fellow Wikipedian Mahalingam noted, “The passing of Ulo Senthamizh Kodai is a great loss to us all.” Former colleague Jambulingam remembered his dedication and encouragement, while longtime contributor K. Murthy recalled Ulo Senthamizh Kodai’s resilience despite physical challenges.

Ulo Senthamizh Kodai’s contributions were recognized with accolades, including featuring on the main page of Tamil Wikipedia in 2016 and various barnstars and medals from fellow Wikipedians.

As we bid farewell to Ulo Senthamizh Kodai, we remember him not only for his significant contributions to Tamil science and Wikipedia but also for his unwavering dedication to knowledge, education, and the Tamil language. His passing leaves a void in the community, and he will be dearly missed.

We are planning to host a condolence meeting online and we will soon provide information about that. We encourage people to share their memories/experiences of their association with Ulo Senthamizh Kodai on this thread.

Tamil Wikimedians & CIS-A2K.

[1] Biographical Article about Ulo Senthamizh Kodai in Tamil Wikipedia

[2] Userpage of Ulo Senthamizh Kodai in Tamil Wikipedia