The World Sanskrit Conference is the lifeblood of our community. For many of us, it is the highlight of the scholarly conference cycle. I personally look back with great fondness and warmth on past WSCs in Helsinki, Edinburgh, New Delhi, Bangkok, Vancouver, and Canberra.

The WSC is the premier opportunity for us to share our research, strengthen existing networks, and kindle new friendships. The exchange of ideas, methods, and theories at the WSC is what propels our discipline forward.

Scholars, particularly younger colleagues in South Asia, often lack access to the journals, libraries, and scholarly networks that many of us in the developed world take for granted. They rarely have the chance to engage in the broader international scholarly conversation.

The WSC provides an essential platform for all of us, but especially for younger scholars. It is their opportunity to meet the academics who write the books, initiate the debates, and set the scholarly agenda. This is where the next generation of scholars is nurtured and formed.

Nepal is a developing country, and the WSC organizing team has faced significant challenges, including limited institutional support, personnel changes, and infrastructural difficulties. Despite these obstacles, they have worked earnestly and tirelessly to make this conference a success. They deserve our encouragement and support.

I share the frustration of colleagues who have experienced delays in receiving emails, confirmations, and announcements. I understand why some of our senior friends and colleagues have grown exasperated and decided to withdraw from the WSC.

However, I urge everyone to remain patient. The WSC, our broader scholarly community, and especially our South Asian colleagues deserve our support. Please do not abandon them.

I 'm booked in and paid up. I am fully confident that, despite the inevitable challenges of organizing such a large event, and with our collective support, the WSC in Kathmandu will be an unforgettable success.

Yours sincerely,

McComas

McComas Taylor, Professor of Sanskrit
CHL Deputy Director, Languages
College of Asia and Pacific, Australian National University
Secretary-General, International Assoc. of Sanskrit Studies