At 74, This Woman is The Oldest Practitioner of an Indian Martial Art
Meena Raghavan embodies perseverance and determination in the world of Indian martial arts. At 74, she represents both history and tradition while also challenging age and gender barriers. Beginning her journey with Kalaripayattu, an age-old martial art form from southern India, at the age of 7, Raghavan's commitment was unparalleled. At a time when societal norms restricted most girls to practice only until the age of 14, she boldly defied these conventions, continuing her rigorous training and mastering her craft.
In her later years, Meena Raghavan's dedication expanded as she chose to share and nurture Kalaripayattu's legacy. By establishing her own school, she ensured that the martial art's intricate techniques and rich history were accessible to future enthusiasts. Her school trains a diverse group of students, including boys, girls, men and women.
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Top image: Meena Raghavan, oldest practitioner of Kalaripayattu martial art. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Great Big Story.
