82-Year-Old Kalaripayattu Master Inspires Generations in Kerala

At 82, Meenakshi Raghavan, a revered Kalaripayattu teacher from Kerala, remains devoted to the ancient art form she loves, impacting the lives of her students and inspiring new generations.

An 82-year-old woman, Meenakshi Raghavan, is making waves in the world of martial arts as she passionately teaches Kalaripayattu, an ancient Indian discipline believed to be over 3,000 years old. Known affectionately as Meenakshi Amma, she is celebrated as possibly the oldest woman practicing this traditional art, which not only focuses on self-defense techniques but also fosters discipline, strength, and resilience among its students.

Living in Vadakara, Kerala, Meenakshi Amma has dedicated her life to Kalaripayattu and has no intentions of stepping back. "I'll probably practice Kalari until the day I die," she affirms. In a schedule that keeps her busy, she teaches about 50 students daily, running a school founded by her late husband in 1950.

Kalaripayattu consists of four rigorous stages of training, starting with meypattu, which includes an oil massage and conditioning exercises. Students who demonstrate dedication progress through various methods, such as stick fighting and weapon combat, ultimately striving for mastery in unarmed techniques.

Meenakshi Amma, whose early introduction to Kalaripayattu began when she was just seven years old, often draws comparisons with other martial arts globally. According to fellow instructor Vinod Kadangal, Kung Fu has roots in Kalaripayattu, as Buddhist monk Bodhidharma brought its techniques to China centuries ago.

Notably, Meenakshi Amma's story intertwines with regional history, as her instructor faced societal challenges in opening a Kalaripayattu school due to caste barriers. Nevertheless, she found substantial support from her father, who encouraged her training into her teenage years, leading to her marriage with her instructor, Raghavan.

Together, they contributed significantly to the art form, training many students, often without charging them. After Raghavan’s passing in 2007, Meenakshi Amma took the reins of the institution and continued to inspire not just students, but the broader community.

Today, she carries her legacy with pride, hoping to pass down her teachings to her eldest son, Sanjeev, who is also active at the school. “She’s my toughest opponent,” he admits, emphasizing the rigorous training they uphold.

As a local figure of inspiration, Meenakshi Amma received attention from politicians and the community alike, highlighting her influential role in promoting Kalaripayattu and empowering women. Her dedication is evident as she manages both her legacy and her students, who are now establishing their Kalaripayattu schools across the state, a testament to her far-reaching impact.