In brief
At 82 years old, Meenakshi Raghavan is renowned as possibly the oldest female practitioner of Kalaripayattu, a traditional Indian martial art that she passionately teaches and practices daily.
An 82-year-old woman from Kerala, Meenakshi Raghavan, proudly holds the title of possibly the world's oldest female practitioner of Kalaripayattu, an ancient martial art that has been an integral part of Indian culture for over 3,000 years. She expresses unwavering dedication to her craft, claiming, "I’ll probably practice Kalari until the day I die."Kalaripayattu, a unique blend of self-defense techniques, discipline, and body conditioning, finds its roots in Kerala's history. This art form serves not just for fighting but is deeply intertwined with physical fitness, mental focus, and spiritual growth.Affectionately known as Meenakshi Amma in her community, Raghavan operates a Kalari school in Vadakara, a town rich in martial arts heritage, nurturing students through classes held from five in the morning until noon. She trains around 50 students daily and started teaching her children from the age of six.Kalaripayattu comprises four main stages, each requiring immense discipline and patience to master. Beginning with meypattu — an oil massage and foundational exercises — students then progress through various forms of weaponry and combat, typically spending five years refining their skills.Meenakshi Amma's journey began at the tender age of seven under the guidance of her guru, VP Raghavan. Despite societal limitations faced during her era, her family supported her martial education, allowing her to thrive in a space where girls could train freely.Her husband, Raghavan, established their Kalari school in 1950 and dedicated their lives to teaching, often providing free lessons for children from impoverished backgrounds. Following his passing in 2007, Meenakshi Amma has successfully maintained the school, with hopes of one day entrusting it to her eldest son, Sanjeev, who also teaches there.Not only does Meenakshi Amma serve as a teacher, but she is also a local celebrity, garnering respect and admiration from her students and the community alike. Politicians often seek her presence at events, and her students praise her as a source of inspiration and an embodiment of toughness balanced with compassion.With her relentless spirit and deep commitment to Kalaripayattu, Meenakshi Raghavan serves as a majestic symbol of resilience and empowerment, inspiring both young women and future martial artists across India.
