We understand that our community is concerned about recent geopolitical developments in the region, particularly the reported tensions between India and Pakistan. We’d like to take a moment to offer some clarity and reassurance to those considering paper submissions or travel to the upcoming conference in Chennai. Chennai, the host city, is located in the far southeast of India — over 2,000 kilometers from the affected border areas in the north and northwest. Life in Chennai continues as normal, and there are no travel advisories or safety alerts in place for the region. It’s also important to note that a ceasefire has since been initiated, and life is returning to normal even in the northern states. Across the country, major academic events and conferences have resumed, and tourist activity remains steady, particularly in the southern states such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala. We encourage everyone to stay informed through reliable sources, as some misinformation circulating on social media may present an exaggerated sense of risk. The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) continues to monitor the situation and remains fully committed to the safety and well-being of all participants. This approach is not without precedent. For instance, when our conference was held in Chiang Mai in 2011, a similar reassurance helped address concerns related to flooding in Thailand. Chiang Mai, being in a different part of the country, was unaffected, and the event proceeded successfully. We hope this message helps alleviate any uncertainty. We encourage all prospective authors to move forward with their submissions ahead of the upcoming deadline and look forward to welcoming you to Chennai.