At 82, Meenakshi Raghavan Inspires Through Kalaripayattu

In a remarkable display of perseverance and passion, Meenakshi Raghavan, an 82-year-old practitioner of Kalaripayattu, declares her intentions clear: "I'll probably practice Kalari until the day I die." She is widely recognized as one of the oldest women in the world teaching this ancient martial art, which, with origins traced back over 3,000 years in Kerala, symbolizes India's oldest form of combat and self-defense training.Kalaripayattu—where "kalari" denotes battleground and "payattu" translates to fight—is much more than a martial art; it embodies the principles of discipline, strength, and self-defense. Known fondly as Meenakshi Amma (meaning mother in Malayalam), she thrives in her hometown of Vadakara, home to many illustrious figures of Kalaripayattu. While Ms. Raghavan does perform occasionally in various cities, she primarily focuses on running the Kalari school founded by her husband in 1950. Her daily schedule is packed; she caters to around 50 students every day, conducting classes that start as early as five in the morning and continue up until noon. "My four children were also trained by me and my husband from the age of six," she notes, showcasing her dedication to passing on the art.The path of Kalaripayattu consists of four stages, requiring patience and commitment. Students commence their training with meypattu, an oil massage and conditioning exercises. After two years, they advance to kolthari (stick fighting), followed by angathari (weapon combat), and then culminate at verumkai, focusing on unarmed combat—a journey that can take up to five years to accomplish.Interestingly, many elements of Kalaripayattu, such as breathing techniques and marmashastra (the art of stimulating vital points), have influenced other martial arts, including Kung Fu, as per insights shared by Kalari instructor Vinod Kadangal. This history is tangible to Meenakshi Amma, who remembers her first steps into a Kalari—at the tender age of seven—where she began her journey, suggested by her guru VP Raghavan, who recognized her talent.Growing up in Kerala’s Thiyya community, she faced less bias than many others due to the inclusive nature of the Kalaripayattu schools of the time. As she recounts, physical education was mandatory in schools, and girls were encouraged to learn Kalari. Meenakshi Amma's father played a pivotal role in her continued training, which she also nurtured alongside Raghavan, who became her husband.The couple dedicated themselves to training students often for no charge, accepting only dakshina, a tribute paid to the teacher. Their school was sustained through generous donations, and even after Raghavan's passing in 2007, Meenakshi Amma continued to uphold his legacy.Today, while she expresses no immediate plans to retire, she hopes to pass on her school to her eldest son, Sanjeev, a current instructor who appreciates her uncompromising teaching style. Meenakshi Amma has become a local icon, recently being approached by several politicians who seek her presence at public events, demonstrating the respect and admiration she commands.Her students hold her in high esteem, often claiming that she embodies fierce admiration. Many have established their own Kalari schools, reflecting her influence. KF Thomas, a former student, aptly summarizes her lasting impact: "She’s an inspiration to women everywhere—a rare person who blends love and discipline in her teachings."