Eternal Warrior: Meenakshi Raghavan at 82
An 82-year-old woman dedicated to the ancient Indian martial art of Kalaripayattu, Meenakshi Raghavan, claims she has no intentions of retiring. “I’ll probably practise Kalari until the day I die,” says Meenakshi Amma, celebrated as possibly the oldest practitioner of this vibrant art form.
The Legacy of Kalaripayattu
Kalaripayattu — where ‘kalari’ means battleground and ‘payattu’ means fight — is believed to have emerged over 3,000 years ago in southern Kerala and is recognized as India’s most ancient martial art. Its practice transcends mere combat; it focuses on instilling discipline, enhancing physical strength, and promoting self-defence skills.
A Passion for Teaching
Residing in Vadakara, Kerala, Meenakshi Amma runs her own Kalari school, established by her late husband in 1950. Her routine is filled with teaching, as she trains about 50 students daily with classes from 5 AM to noon. “My four children also learned this art from their father and me, starting as young as six,” she adds.
The Journey of Learning Kalaripayattu
Kalaripayattu consists of four stages that require immense perseverance to master. Training initiates with meypattu (body conditioning through oil massage), progressing into kolthari (stick fighting), moving onto angathari (weapon combat), and finally verumkai, signifying the pinnacle of unarmed fighting. Mastering this martial art often takes up to five years.
Influence Beyond Borders
According to another instructor, Vinod Kadangal, Kung Fu has reportedly borrowed techniques from Kalaripayattu, including unique breathing methods and marmashastra (the practice of stimulating vital points to enhance energy). Tales suggest that in the 6th Century, Indian monk Bodhidharma shared these practices with the Shaolin monks, thereby impacting the evolution of more recognized martial arts.
Breaking Social Barriers
Recalling her initial encounter with a Kalari arena 75 years ago, Meenakshi Amma states, “I was just seven and excelled in dance. My guru, VP Raghavan, encouraged my father to let me explore Kalaripayattu.”
The journey wasn’t without challenges. Despite general societal norms suggesting girls step back from martial arts after hitting puberty, Meenakshi’s father stood by her ambitions.
Passing on the Torch
After her husband’s passing in 2007, Meenakshi Amma gracefully assumed responsibility for the school. Though she has no immediate plans for retirement, she intends to pass the legacy of her school to her eldest son, Sanjeev. He, too, values the rigorous training received from his mother, mentioning, “She remains my toughest competitor.”
A Source of Inspiration
Meenakshi Amma is acknowledged as a local icon. Politicians often seek her presence at events. “Amma, you must grace us with your presence,” remarks one during an interview, to which she graciously agrees.
The admiration from her students is undeniable. A former pupil, KF Thomas, asserts, “She inspires women everywhere, balancing affection with discipline.” Her contribution to Kalaripayattu illustrates the significant role she plays in cultivating a rich cultural heritage in Kerala.
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