In brief
Known as Meenakshi Amma, the 82-year-old Kalaripayattu instructor from Vadakara, Kerala, remains dedicated to teaching the ancient martial art. With no plans to retire, she inspires students through her rigorous training while maintaining a balance of discipline and affection. Her legacy includes running a Kalari school established by her husband, where she passionately trains dozens of students daily.
As the sun rises over Vadakara in Kerala, Meenakshi Raghavan, an 82-year-old martial arts instructor, prepares for another day of teaching Kalaripayattu, an ancient form of Indian martial arts widely recognized as over 3,000 years old. Known fondly as Meenakshi Amma, she displays unwavering dedication to her craft and has no intention of stepping back. "I'll probably practise Kalari until the day I die," she asserts.Kalaripayattu, translating to 'battlefield fight,' is a holistic discipline aimed not only at combat but also at instilling strength, discipline, and self-defense skills. Meenakshi Amma, who has made significant contributions to this heritage, runs her own Kalari school founded by her husband in 1950 and teaches around 50 students daily.Her rigorous schedule includes classes from 5 AM to noon, where she imparts her vast knowledge of Kalaripayattu's four key stages: meypattu (body conditioning), kolthari (stick fighting), angathari (weapon combat), and the highest level, verumkai (unarmed combat). It typically takes novice students up to five years to master the art.Reflecting on her lifetime of training, Meenakshi Amma recalls stepping into her first Kalari at the age of seven. Encouraged by her dance guru to blend movement with the martial art, she embraced the discipline fully. Hailing from the Thiyya community, her journey in Kalaripayattu also broke ground as she was supported by her father, unlike many girls who had to quit post-puberty. Her marriage to fellow instructor Raghavan marked the beginning of a partnership that contributed to countless students' training, often without financial charge. The school's basic needs were sustained through donations while Raghavan eventually sought external employment. Following his passing in 2007, Meenakshi Amma assumed full responsibility for the school, where her eldest son Sanjeev is also an instructor.Local politicians frequently seek her wisdom, and her students admire her fierce dedication and personal warmth. "She's an inspiration to women everywhere," says KF Thomas, a former student who cherishes her strict yet affectionate teaching style. Through her life’s work, Meenakshi Raghavan not only preserves the legacy of Kalaripayattu but also continues to inspire a new generation of martial artists.
