Padmasree Meenakshi Gurukkal...........A Woman of Jhansi Genus

          An Interview with the legend in Kalaripayattu

                                                        History flaunts the veracity of the spirit and ability of womanhood in various spheres. In myth she is the epitome of power, strength, knowledge, beauty, patience and is known as Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Bhadra, Devi, Kali and so on. In history there are unexceptional characters of undaunted courage like Jhansi Rani whom the British called the best and bravest of rebel leaders in India. Being woman she is the wisdom and ode prefixed to man and hence woman.



Kalari

Meenakshi Gurukkal

                                                        When we, myself and Hema Raghavan, Standing committee member from AIWC, Kozhikode branch on 16^th March 2017 went to interview the Padmasree recipient Meenakshi Gurukkal at her ‘Kadathanad Kalari Sangam’ in Vadakara, Kozhikode dist, Kerala, annals of the past flashed through my mind. When many of us think of receding due to old age this extraordinary women of 75 years, who seems to be in her early fifties, is still vibrant leading the martial art trainees both men and women of all ages like a powerful veteran. We were really surprised to know that she was just back from Pune, Maharashtra the same morning after a great performance of Kalaripayattu in the stages in Chennai, Mumbai and Pune. With awe and pride we breathed into the formal enquiries on her talents and tangibility.

kalari lantern

In front of kalari

Awards behind

                                                         Kalaripayattu is the martial art form of North Malabar of Kerala in South India which dated back approximately to BC 300. It developed into the ingenious art form of warfare both in armed and unarmed techniques of combats by sixth century AD during an extended period of war between the Chera and the Chola dynasties. The soldiers of the fighting brigade became very commanding and they were allowed to impart training in martial arts under their control, thus formed the Kalaris. Consequently every family had their own Kalari. Gradually the disputes between families were decided by the combats of the leaders called Gurukkal and the justice go along with the winner who won the combat. It became the prevalent practice of the ruler to settle disputes. The Northern ballads or the country folk song were full of the heroic actions of the heroes or heroines who sacrificed their lives to fight for justice. The British, while in power banned the Kalari training of all kind. But the women trained their children and other family members secretly in their own Kalari to become intrepid of others. After the lift of the ban the Kalari centres revived. As years passed by, the interest of the mass was deteriorating and most of the Kalaris had fainted.

                                                         Excerpt from the interview

You started learning Kalaripayattu at the tender age of seven. How it happened?

I started learning dance at the age of five. It was my dance master who observed the skills   by seeing the vigil and swiftness in movements and told my father that ‘let her join the Kalari’. Since I inherit from a Kalari family it happened to join the Kalari at the right time.

What about dance after joining the Kalari?

Along with Kalari practice I continued dance up to tenth standard and completed learning ‘Bharathanatyam’.

Kalaripayattu is a self-defence technique. Even though there was no abuse or molestation to girls at that time in your childhood why as a girl you stick on continuing the martial art?

Inside of kalari

Girls usually stop practising Kalaripayattu at the age of thirteen. But my father inspired and motivated me to continue in Kalari which resulted to keep up my natural instinct towards the art form. Kalari practice is mainly to maintain fitness through health and to safeguard self from accidents such as falling down and attack from outside.

Your Kalari master married you right. Was it a love marriage?

No, never. Everybody thought so. But we were not in love or master didn’t even give a hint. After his TTC, he got job in a school and proposed through my parents. Of course after marriage we were in deep love till the last day of our life. He left us seven years back.

How was the support from your husband after the marriage?

My Gurukkal, my beloved husband, was the real back bone and the mighty force for my growth in Kalaripayatuu and my present Padmasree award. His family was also having the tradition of martial arts. The full support from my husband’s family also played a great role in my success. Every individual in our family were given the freedom to practice kalari which was very near to our home. Even the children were with us during the practice. All our four children are Kalaripayattu artists as it was and it is practising through the ages.

Kindly let us know the salient features of Kalaripayattu?

It is absolutely a wholesome approach for self defence, health and intrepidity. Kalari practice combines physical, mental, emotional and spiritual qualities. Both the parts of the brain are activated and integrated through the practice. It gives vitality and radiance. Many married women who were not conceived became pregnant by the multifarious benefits of the intangible power of Kalari practice. Kalaripayattu is the art form of power, speed, concentration, confidence and perfection.

How many years of learning make one to master in this art? What are the phases?

Usually a span of thirteen years is required in the olden style of practice. But now it is based on the interest, commitment, dedication and devotion of the student and the teacher to master in Kalaripayattu. Regarding the phases, one has to go through four phases, ‘Maipayattu’ (for complete body flexibility and physical health), ‘Kolthari’ (practice with wooden weapons/properties), ‘Angathari’ (mastery of various weapons and fighting) and ‘Verumkai’ (fighting with empty hand techniques). Once you mastered in the sequence of the four phases leads to become in the position of ‘Gurukkal’ (Master).

It is unique to be the only senior woman in the role of ‘Gurukkal’ in Kalaripayattu. How it happened?

Entrance....steps down to kalari

After the demise of my beloved husband it happened. My children were also very particular that I should take up the responsibility with their wholehearted support. Being active in this field we need to perform about 60 to 80 stages every year across the country based on the requests from kalaripayattu fans. Many students within the country and abroad come here to learn and film the art. We are very busy in our Kalari and the rush in our Kalari makes me to lead and sustain our tradition and the dream project of my husband.

How is the mode of training?

The course is regularly offered during the rainy season that is from June to September. One who attains nine year can join but no criteria for upper age limit. Those who are mentally fit and physically willing can do Kalari practice. The program is like the old ‘Gurukula model’ of educational system. The course is offered free of cost. Students give ‘Guru Dakshina’ to the Gurukkal before the start and after completing the course. Residential facilities are also provided for those who need accommodation.

What is the speciality of this art form?

Kalaripayattu is a complete curative as it incorporates Ayurveda and Yoga systems. We give topmost importance to spirituality. Even the opponent is considered as a person of strength to be accepted with.

Why women are not attracted to Kalaripayattu?

The main reason is that this martial art is not in any way connected to earn a constant income. For livelihood they need to do some other work.

Do you find it hectic at this age to teach in your Kalari and perform the art form in various part of the country?

No. I love the way I am doing it. The practice made me disciplined in my life style as it gives prominence to meditation. The practice helps to restore and rejuvenate my physical and mental health. When I am with my students or in front of my audience I feel happy and enthusiastic. May be the ‘dedication and devotion’ in this art keep me rolling.

Any diet package recommendation for Kalari practice?

Of course diet is part of healthy life style. Because Kalari practice is a complete wellness program for body, mind and soul no need to stick on a particular diet. You can have whatever you like and love. The only thing is that you have to be conscious on the quality, quantity and the appropriate time to have it.

Women, especially girls are passing through a period of abuse, discord and abasement by certain convulsive forces. What is your message for them?

All the girls should master in Kalaripayattu to safe guard their lives through self-defence. They must self equip themselves to beat the opponent through physical, mental, emotional and spiritual tactics. This is what I am advocating to our womanhood through my life.

 The perfect presentation and approach of the living legend of Kalaripayattu throughout the interview amazed us with her presence of mind and grace in gestures. Meenakshi Gurukkal and the wonder boy of cricket Sachin Tendulkar met in program at Kozhikode in connection with the inauguration of ‘Sports Medicine Wing’ at MIM’s (Malabar Institute of Medical Science). By turning towards the crowd Sachin was all praising the ‘Padma’ recipient Meenakshi Gurukkal stating that ‘we should accept this Mathaji as our role model.

Yes, A big salute to you Gurukkal, you are really our role model.

Thanks a lot to my dear friend Mr Sridharan Nair and his wife Geetha Sridharan at Vadakara for their hospitality and full support.