Chennai, November 12, 2025 — Hema, a resident of Kalakshetra Colony, Besant Nagar, was recently felicitated by the cultural body Hamsadwani for her unique dedication to Carnatic music: singing and recording over 2,000 keerthanams at sunrise, primarily on Elliots Beach.
For years, Hema and her husband, Prakash, have performed this daily ritual, recording the songs as a musical offering to the Sun God. Recognising this extraordinary effort and passion, Seetharaman, President of Hamsadwani, arranged for the release of an album titled ‘Sun Rise Songs,’ featuring 100 selections from Hema’s vast collection.
The album was launched yesterday by chief guest Madurai G. S. Mani, who praised Hema’s innovative idea of honouring nature and the Sun God through devotion (bhakthi) and music. Prakash, who acts as Hema’s consistent videographer and bulwark, also spoke at the event. The ceremony, widely appreciated for celebrating perseverance, honoured Hema for blending art with a singular purpose.
