Meenakshi Amma, Aged 82, & No Whisper of Retirement
Meet Meenakshi Raghavan, popularly called Meenakshi Amma, an 82-year-old martial arts legend from Kerala, who continues to teach and practise the ancient art of Kalaripayattu with unmatched vigour. A tale of discipline, tradition, and timeless spirit
If you thought your nan was sprightly for managing a WhatsApp message and the occasional jig at a family wedding, allow us to introduce Meenakshi Raghavan – lovingly called Meenakshi Amma – who at the ripe young age of 82, is still brandishing sticks and teaching the ancient Indian martial art of Kalaripayattu with more vim and vigour than most of us muster climbing the stairs.
“Oh, I’ll probably practise Kalari until the day I die,” she says, without a flicker of doubt. And frankly, you’d believe her. One look at her in her flowing red saree, rope in hand, and you’d think twice before questioning her resolve—or challenging her to a duel.
Kalari: Not Just a Punch-Up in a Pit
Now, for those scratching their heads and thinking Kalaripayattu sounds like a spicy snack, allow us to clarify. Kalari means battleground and payattu means fight, but don’t be fooled—it’s not just about fisticuffs. This ancient martial art from Kerala, dating back over 3,000 years, is a disciplined, soulful, and slightly terrifying blend of body conditioning, stick-fighting, weapon-wielding, and unarmed combat. Think yoga, but with swords. And possibly fewer scented candles.
It’s a demanding art, with four stages, each more challenging than the last. First comes meypattu, which involves a full-body oil massage and strength training (yes, really). After two years of that, you’re ready for kolthari (stick fighting), followed by angathari (weapons), and finally verumkai—bare-handed combat that makes your average pub brawl look like a tickling contest.
Kalari and the Kung Fu Connection
Fun fact: Kung Fu, that darling of Chinese action flicks, may owe a nod (or a flying kick) to Kalaripayattu. Legend has it that in the 6th century, an Indian monk named Bodhidharma toddled off to China and taught the Shaolin monks a thing or two about breathing, movement, and marmashastra—stimulating vital points to get your energy flowing and, presumably, your enemies fainting.
From Dancing Queen to Kalari Queen
Meenakshi Amma’s own story is quite the epic. At the age of seven, already nimble from dance classes, she was gently nudged towards Kalari by her guru, VP Raghavan, who later became her husband. A romantic plot twist with a martial edge.
Despite hailing from the Thiyya community, which wasn’t exactly rolling out red carpets for its lower-caste youngsters, Raghavan and his brothers set up their own Kalari school in 1950. And that very school, mind you, is where Meenakshi Amma still teaches fifty students a day from 5 a.m. to noon. Yes, while most of us are still contemplating our morning tea, she’s already halfway through stick-fighting drills.
Her own children began training at the age of six, and now her eldest, 62-year-old Sanjeev, is next in line to take the reins. Although, by his own admission, being the son of the grandmaster earns him no brownie points—“She’s still my toughest opponent,” he quips.
A Strict Mum, a Fierce Guru, and a Local Heroine
Her students call her an inspiration. Former pupils have started their own Kalari schools across Kerala. Politicians turn up at her doorstep like eager interns with folded hands and flattery. But she remains as grounded as the red earth arena she practises on.
“She’s got a heart full of affection and a face that could calm a riot, but when it comes to Kalari, she’s all business,” says KF Thomas, one of her many proud ex-students.
And she teaches not for lucre, but love. Her husband once refused fees and accepted only dakshina, a humble tribute of thanks. The school was sustained by donations and sheer grit—a quality Meenakshi Amma appears to have in spades.
Retirement? That’s for Mortals
As for retiring, well, that’s not on the cards. Or the calendar. Or even the vague horizon. Meenakshi Amma is of the rare breed who sees old age not as a slowing down but simply as a slightly creaky extension of youth.
Frankly, in an era where most of us need a stretch break after tying our shoelaces, this octogenarian warrior is a national treasure, a living legend, and a firm slap on the face of anyone who’s ever said “I’m too old for this.”
So the next time you’re tempted to groan about your backache or make excuses about skipping the gym, remember Meenakshi Amma—age 82, still swinging sticks, and putting us all to shame. Absolutely smashing.
This article is an adoption from an article by Sumitra Nair titled “India’s sword-wielding grandmother still going strong at 82” published on the BBC Website.
Picture and News Sources : BBC
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