Meenakshi Raghavan, an 82-year-old martial artist from Kerala, devotedly teaches Kalaripayattu, India’s oldest martial art. With no intention of retiring, she inspires her students while carrying on her late husband's legacy.
82-Year-Old Meenakshi Amma Champions Kalaripayattu, Inspiring Generations
82-Year-Old Meenakshi Amma Champions Kalaripayattu, Inspiring Generations
The unwavering spirit of Meenakshi Raghavan, believed to be the oldest woman teaching Kalaripayattu, shines as she continues her martial arts journey at age 82.
In the picturesque town of Vadakara, Kerala, 82-year-old Meenakshi Raghavan, affectionately known as Meenakshi Amma, persists in her quest to master Kalaripayattu, the ancient Indian martial art revered as one of the world’s oldest. Despite her age, Meenakshi Amma has no plans to retire, declaring, "I'll probably practise Kalari until the day I die."
Dating back at least 3,000 years, Kalaripayattu combines self-defense with physical discipline, strength-building, and character development. A pioneering figure in the practice, Meenakshi Amma runs a Kalari school originally established by her husband in 1950, where she teaches approximately 50 students daily from dawn until noon.
Her classes initiate students with meypattu, an oil massage for body conditioning, transitioning through various stages including kolthari (stick fighting) and angathari (weapon combat), culminating in verumkai, which focuses on unarmed combat. Mastery of Kalaripayattu can take up to five years, a journey that demands patience and dedication.
Meenakshi Amma recalls her initial steps into a Kalari at the tender age of seven, prompted by her guru, VP Raghavan. High social standards once prevented girls from continuing their martial arts training past puberty, but her father uniquely encouraged her journey, fostering her love for the art. She eventually married Raghavan, and together they taught countless students, often offering free lessons to underprivileged children.
Following her husband’s passing in 2007, Meenakshi Amma took the reins of the Kalari school. Her eldest son, Sanjeev, continues the family legacy as an instructor while acknowledging that his mother remains his toughest competitor.
Meenakshi Amma enjoys a revered status in her community. During an interview, her influence was palpable as local politicians visited, inviting her to an awards ceremony, underscoring her status as a regional icon. Her students express deep admiration for her leadership, celebrating her blend of nurturing and discipline, making her a model of inspiration for both present and future generations of Kalaripayattu practitioners.
