Meenakshi Amma: India’s 82-Year-Old Martial Arts Icon

Meenakshi Raghavan, better known as Meenakshi Amma, is an 82-year-old martial arts instructor from Kerala, India, who continues to teach Kalaripayattu, one of the world’s oldest fighting traditions. This martial art is not only about combat but also about discipline, physical strength, and self-defense. At her school, students train daily in a red-earth arena, practicing techniques that require focus and flexibility. Meenakshi Amma teaches around 50 students each day and is known for being a strict but loving instructor. She sees no reason to retire and hopes to pass the tradition on to her eldest son, who also trains at the school.

Her journey is a powerful inspiration to many, especially women. At a time when most girls were expected to stop martial arts after puberty, she continued with support from her father. Her husband, also her teacher, faced discrimination because of his caste but still opened a school to train others. Together, they taught many students, often for free, accepting only a small tribute as a sign of respect. Even now, Meenakshi Amma is admired for her strength, fairness, and dedication. Her son says she remains his toughest opponent, both in training and spirit.

I. Vocabulary. Match the word in Column A with its meaning on Column B.

II. Pooled Fill-in-the-Blanks: Use the vocabulary words to fill in the blanks. Words:

martial art, discipline, self-defense, opponent, instructor, tribute, arena, tradition, inspiration, discrimination

1. Kalaripayattu is a type of ancient Indian __________.

2. Students must follow strict __________ during training.

3. This art form helps people learn how to protect themselves through __________.

4. Meenakshi Amma is an experienced __________ who teaches 50 students a day.

5. Many students see her as an __________ because of her strength and kindness.

6. She trains her son like any other __________ in the class.

7. Students often practice in a red-earth __________.

8. Paying a small gift or money as a __________ was a common way to thank the teacher.

9. The school follows the __________ of teaching all students, rich or poor.

10. Her husband faced __________ because of his caste, but still opened a school.

III. Open-Ended Hypothetical Questions: Answer the following questions as honestly as you can.

1. If you had the chance to learn a martial art, would you choose Kalaripayattu? Why or why not?

2. How would you feel if your teacher was 82 years old but still stronger than everyone else in class?
   
   

3. What would you do if you were not allowed to learn something because of your background or gender?

4. If you could meet Meenakshi Amma, what would you ask her?

5. Imagine you are running your own school one day — what traditions would you like to keep?

Thank you!

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyqqz9mr6yo