Dear LOTUS Patrons,

We are sad to announce that our beloved founder Sri Hemmige Varadarajan passed away on April 3rd, 2019 and attained the Lord’s feet. He peacefully breathed his last at his home in Sunnyvale, surrounded by family. He spent his last days listening to his favorite prayers and his beloved Carnatic music.

A scientist by profession, Hemmige D. Varadarajan's first love was Carnatic Music. Over the years, he had encouraged many upcoming artistes, and was primarily responsible for the musical advancement of his children Srivatsan, Mani, and Ranjani. He was the inventor of the electronic instrument "Haemika", which enables gamakas to be played similar faithfully. Sri Varadarajan held numerous patents in the field of electronic engineering. He was also an avid chess player, having played both blindfold and simultaneous matches.

The name "LOTUS" (LOcal Talent UnderScored) is credited to Sri Varadarajan.

While we will all deeply miss him and his presence in a lot of LOTUS concerts and festivals, we the LOTUS family are determined to build on his vision of passing on the values and passion for sHastriyA sangeetam to the next generation.

May his soul rest in peace.

LOTUS Team