Age no barrier: At 63, Geethamani masters Kalaripayattu arena

Cherthala: For K Geethamani (63), from Chakkanattu, Kadakkarappally, a casual visit to her grandson’s Kalaripayattu class turned out to be a turning point in her life. Initially, she went along just to accompany him, two hours, twice a week. But one day, the Gurukkal (kalari master) suggested, “Don’t waste your time waiting around. Step onto the floor with the children for training. It’ll be good exercise too.”

She took their advice to heart, brushing aside her hesitation. And so, for two and a half years, through steady practice Geethamani mastered the Angathattu (the traditional training arena). Thereafter, things turned out to be an inspiring tale of courage.

Geethamani had never stepped onto a sports field during her school days. It was only after she retired from the Sales Tax Department in 2019 that this new chapter began. It all started when she began taking her daughter Deepthi’s son, Yuval Mithra, for Kalaripayattu classes. Although her grandson eventually dropped out, the grandmother kept going, her commitment unwavering.

From the basic steps and leg movements, to the swings and stances, she has now progressed to Vadi Prayogam (stick fighting techniques). After mastering the Muchaan (Short stick weapon), she is moving on to Kuruvadi (short stick) techniques, and will soon begin weapons training.

“Flexibility is very important in Kalaripayattu,it’s best to train the body from a young age. I realised my limitations and trained accordingly,” says Geethamani. The discipline has helped her keep lifestyle diseases like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and thyroid issues under control.

She is getting trained under the guidance of Gurukkal Harikrishnan, who runs the Punnapra-based Ekaveera Kalari Sangham, which also provides training in several countries. Geethamani trains at their Kuruppankulangara branch.

Interestingly, most of her fellow trainees are children under the age of 10, but Geethamani, clad in her training attire, proves that age is no barrier. Her children, Deepthi Shashi and Nithin Shashi, and son-in-law Sudhir Kumar Mishra, stand firmly behind her, encouraging her every step of the way.