The Unyielding Spirit of an 82-Year-Old Kalaripayattu Master

Known as Meenakshi Amma, Raghavan is believed to be the world's oldest practitioner of Kalaripayattu, demonstrating that age is no barrier to pursuing one's passion. She dedicates her life to teaching this ancient Indian martial art, instilling discipline and strength in her students while keeping the traditions alive.

At 82 years old, Meenakshi Raghavan, affectionately known as Meenakshi Amma, defies age by continuing to practice and teach Kalaripayattu, one of India's oldest martial arts. "I'll probably practise Kalari until the day I die," she asserts, embodying a dedication to a rich tradition that dates back over 3,000 years in Kerala, the southern state she calls home. As the oldest known female practitioner of this ancient art, Meenakshi Amma contributes to a lineage that instills not only fighting skills but also discipline and self-defense.

Kalaripayattu, literally meaning "battlefield fight," goes beyond mere combat training, involving physical conditioning and a deep understanding of body movements. Meenakshi Amma operates a Kalari school, originally founded by her late husband in 1950, where each day she runs classes from 5 AM to noon, nurturing a community of approximately 50 students. She recalls being introduced to the martial art at the tender age of seven, when her dance skills led her guru to recommend her training.

Her teaching approach blends compassion with discipline; her students revere her for her fierce dedication to their development. Many of them have even established their own Kalaripayattu schools, inspired by her legacy. Meenakshi Amma's life has been one of breaking barriers — coming from a community that historically faced social caste discrimination, she found support from her family to pursue this art well into adulthood.

The training process in Kalaripayattu is rigorous and methodical, commencing with physical conditioning and advancing through stages of weapon training. It’s said that the principles of Kung Fu were influenced by Kalaripayattu, a testament to the art's enduring significance.

Now, as she approaches her twilight years, Meenakshi Amma remains an influential figure in her community, continuing her mission of sharing knowledge. With ambitions of eventual succession, her oldest son Sanjeev stands ready to uphold the legacy. Despite accolades and recognition, including invitations from local politicians, Meenakshi Amma focuses on instilling values of strength and perseverance in her students, proving that passion has no age limit.