In brief
With her passion for the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu, Meenakshi Raghavan embodies resilience and inspires her community by teaching students from all walks of life.
In the southern Indian state of Kerala, 82-year-old Meenakshi Raghavan, affectionately known as Meenakshi Amma, continues to practice and teach Kalaripayattu, an ancient martial art believed to date back 3,000 years. She asserts, "I'll probably practise Kalari until the day I die," reflecting her dedication to this traditional combat form.Kalaripayattu, which combines the concepts of discipline, strength, and self-defense, originated in Kerala and serves as not only a fighting technique but also as a means of cultural expression. Meenakshi teaches at her family’s Kalari school in Vadakara, which her husband established in 1950. She conducts classes daily, engaging with about 50 students, some of whom are her own children.Training in Kalaripayattu follows a structured path: students first learn conditioning exercises through meypattu (oil massage), progress to stick fighting (kolthari), weapon combat (angathari), and finish with unarmed combat (verumkai). Mastery of Kalaripayattu typically takes five years, illustrating the commitment needed to preserve this vibrant tradition.During an interview, Meenakshi recalled her initial steps into the art form, influenced by her dancing skills at the age of seven. She benefited from an inclusive environment where girls were encouraged to participate in physical education, a rarity at the time. She fondly remembers her late husband, Raghavan, who supported students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and insisted on maintaining a tuition-free model.Following Raghavan's passing in 2007, Meenakshi took the reins of the school and continues to enchant students with her passion. Her oldest son, Sanjeev, now an instructor in the school, expresses gratitude for learning under her guidance while also acknowledging that her determination as a teacher makes her his toughest training partner.Meenakshi's influence extends beyond her students; she is recognized as a local icon, receiving invitations from community leaders who seek her presence at events. Her students, many of whom have established their own Kalari schools, regard her as a powerful role model. Former student KF Thomas highlighted, "She's an inspiration to women everywhere—showing a blend of compassion and discipline."Through her unwavering spirit and determination, Meenakshi Amma not only embodies the essence of Kalaripayattu but also carries forward a legacy that shapes the future of martial arts in India.
