A historic initiative has been taken in the industrial city of Asansol with the aim of acquiring women's safety and self-defense techniques. A 10-day special 'Kalaripayattu' training camp has commenced to make the young women and ladies of the Asansol North assembly area physically and mentally self-reliant. The main objective of this workshop is to ensure the empowerment and safety of women through India's oldest martial art. Organized through the special initiative and cooperation of Krishnendu Mukherjee, MLA of Asansol North Assembly and President of 'Asansol Sports Lovers Association', this camp has generated widespread excitement and enthusiasm throughout the Asansol industrial area.
This intensive training camp, which started on October 1, will continue till October 10. Many students and sports lovers not only from West Bengal but also from other states of the country have participated in this camp organized in Asansol. To raise the standard of training to an international level, experienced Kalaripayattu gurus and skilled trainers have been brought in from far-off Kerala. They are skillfully teaching the participants various subtle techniques of this ancient Indian martial art.
On the occasion of this training program, a press conference was organized in Asansol by the organizers. There, the history of the traditional Indian martial art Kalaripayattu, its scientific basis, and its immense importance in self-defense for women in the present era were highlighted.
What is Kalaripayattu and why is it unique?
Prominent Kalaripayattu trainer Anil Kumar from Kerala, who was present at the press conference, stated that he represents the 'Mathari Marma Chikitsa Kalari Centre' (MMC Kalari). Explaining the origin of the word Kalaripayattu, he said that 'Kalari' means a place of practice or arena and 'Payattu' means combat or fighting techniques. That is, the special place where combat techniques or self-defense are practiced is called Kalaripayattu.
Anil Kumar further said that this art, which is nearly four thousand years old, is considered the 'mother' of all modern martial arts in the world. It has two main styles—Northern style and Southern style. According to mythological and historical views, the initiator of the Northern style is Lord Parashurama and the initiator of the Southern style is Sage Agastya. In South India, it is known regionally as Varma Vidya, Adimurai, Silambam, and Marma Kalai. This martial art not only teaches the application of physical strength but also provides a thorough understanding of the body's 'vital points' (Marmas), through which self-defense is possible by applying minimal force. Over time, transcending the boundaries of India, this art is appreciated worldwide today.
Kerala's expert team in Asansol
A team of highly skilled trainers from Kerala has arrived in Asansol to provide training at the camp. The team includes international and national-level experienced athletes like Vaisakh, Vishnu, Appu, Vaisakh Lakshmi, Sandra, and Akshaya. As a representative of West Bengal, Snigdha is also playing an active role in this program. This skilled team is teaching the trainees step-by-step physical flexibility, quick decision-making ability, and self-defense techniques.
A new message in women's empowerment and self-defense
Oirish Mukherjee, representative of the organizing committee, stated that ensuring the safety of women in society has become extremely urgent recently. MLA Krishnendu Mukherjee's core idea is that every woman in society should be able to ensure her own safety. He is not only teaching physical self-defense techniques but also building mental self-confidence by dispelling their fear.
Oirish Mukherjee also recalled that the Asansol Sports Lovers Association has been working for social development through sports for a long time. Previously, they successfully organized the 'Pragati Cup' women's football tournament, which was widely appreciated in the area. Maintaining that continuity, this ancient Indian martial arts training camp has been organized this time.
Kalaripayattu increases confidence: Snigdha
Snigdha, a member of the trainer team, said that through the practice of Kalaripayattu, a person's concentration, physical balance, endurance, and self-confidence increase manifold. Through Kalari practice, a woman can easily master how to remain calm and defeat an opponent during a moment of danger.
Grand show and special exhibition on October 10
The organizers stated that this 10-day rigorous training will conclude with a grand exhibition event on October 10. On that day, the young women and ladies of the camp will publicly demonstrate their acquired skills, martial arts techniques, and various self-defense performances.
The organizers have warmly invited all residents of Asansol to attend the special exhibition on October 10. Their message—Kalaripayattu is not just a martial art, it is an unprecedented blend of discipline, a healthy lifestyle, and self-confidence. This training camp will be marked as a landmark step in awakening woman power in the industrial region.
