On December 19, 2024, U.S. Fulbright-Nehru Student Researcher Hamsa Shanmugam captivated the audience at the American Center in Chennai with a Carnatic vocal concert. Accompanied by Srinaath Kidambi Perangur on violin and L. Subramanian on mridangam, Hamsa’s performance was a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation. The main piece for the evening was a combination of two Thevarams in pann Kurinji (ragam Harikambhoji) by Saint Thirugnanasambandhar: “Ella Ulagamum” and “Kalai Nan Mamalar.” This latter piece showcased Hamsa’s Fulbright project, which explores incorporating Thevaram into Carnatic concert formats. The concert also featured the classic “Enna Thavam” in ragam Kapi, along with Kanchi Mahaperiyava’s “Maitreem Bhajata” and the timeless bhajan “Raghupati Raghava” to reflect the American Center and US Consulate General’s values of peace, multiculturalism, and interfaith unity. Attendees praised the thoughtful combination of mainstream and lesser-known compositions, appreciating the American Center’s support for Margazhi celebrations and promotion of local art forms.