Why Meenakshiamma, 73, Thinks Kalaripayattu Is Essential For Women Today

At the crack of dawn, around 60 kms away from Kozhikode city in Kerala, a group of enthusiasts have come together to train in the ancient combat form of Kalaripayattu.

Training them with deft skills is 73- year old Meenakshiamma, possibly the oldest woman Kalaripayattu practising trainer in Kerala. Clad in a simple saree, she takes on her 50-year-old son during the training. Her energy, strength and stamina defy her age and her message is simple.

Speaking to NDTV, Meenakshiamma said," In today's times' women cannot walk outside freely. They should train themselves in Kalaripayattu. Unlike before, there are so many elderly women and young girls who are coming forward to get trained."

Meenakshiamma started her training young at the age of seven and eventually married her own guru. A love marriage, rare for her times.  "My father motivated me and I continuously practised till I was 17. I got married to my guru and took a short break. But after that break, I have never stopped my practice and training," she added.

Today she trains hundreds of practitioners every year at Kadathanad Kalari Sangh in Vadakara in Kozhikode. Vadakara is one of the places with a rich heritage of Kalaripayattu. But the institute where she teaches was started by her husband, who ironically was not allowed to train professionally as a young child because he belonged to a Dalit community.