In Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari, Adimurai, A Martial Art Form Is Making A Comeback

The Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, tucked away at the southernmost tip of mainland India, beckons with its cultural richness and time-honored traditions. Here, the heartbeat of Tamil culture thrives, resonating through various vibrant art forms and traditions. The significance of these cultural practices is deeply ingrained in the daily lives of the people, creating a living mosaic that celebrates heritage and community bonds.

Traditional sports play a pivotal role in preserving and showcasing the essence of Tamil Nadu's cultural heritage. These sporting activities are not just physical exercises but windows into the region's history and communal spirit. They serve as living traditions that bridge the past with the present, fostering a sense of identity and pride. In the realm of traditional sports, one standout is Adimurai, a martial art form that has withstood the test of time.

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Adimurai embodies the spirit of Tamil Nadu's martial heritage, combining precise movements with cultural significance. Its practice is not just a physical exercise but a way to connect with the ethos of the land. Recognising the importance of reviving such long-lost sports, Usha has seized a remarkable opportunity to champion and promote Adimurai. Usha is actively engaging women from the Usha Silai Schools in sports activities, breaking barriers and encouraging a holistic approach to empowerment.

The collaboration between Usha Play and Lemuria Varmakalari Adimurai World Organisation in Nagercoil in Kanyakumari signifies a commitment to preserving cultural legacies and empowering local communities. Together, they embark on a journey to not only revive traditional sports like Adimurai but also to create a platform for women to actively participate, showcasing that the spirit of Tamil Nadu's heritage is not just a relic of the past but a dynamic force driving positive change in the present and future. This has been greatly made possible by the Silai women of USHA who helped put together the entire event.

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On January 7, 2024, the Usha State Level Adimurai, Silambam Jodi and Group Championship was organised. Once the date for the sporting event was finalised, women from Usha Silai School shared the information and motivated the kids to actively participate, said Vadivelan Perumal, Regional Manager at Usha International Limited. He added,

Our USHA Silai school teachers came in the morning and helped in organising. USHA in coordinating the entire event and women are actively involving and encouraging the participants, distributing prizes and other things.

The traditional roots of Adimurai, the age-old martial art that originated in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, can be traced back to what was the Travancore. In Tamil, the word "Adimurai" combines the words "adi" meaning "to hit or strike" and "murai" meaning "method or procedure." Mentioned in 400 BCE Tamil Sangam literature, Adimurai, practiced with armed Tamil martial arts nowadays, targets important Varma points, or pressure points, in the body and focuses mostly on self-defence.

The partnership between USHA Play and Lemuria aims to advance this historic sport and give women the opportunity to broaden their horizons.

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S Saraswati a Teacher at the Usha Silai School in Kanyakumari District is one of the many women who have played an active role in bringing this vision to life. She said,

Silambam is an ancient sport, but in recent years it has started to fade away. We spoke to our seniors at Usha to promote this sport and motivate the children as well to play this game. Here we are promoting as well as participating in this sport.

C Sugandhi, one of the teachers from the Usha Silai School added,

We invited children from all surrounding areas to participate in the sporting event. We distributed Usha t-shirts.

Calling the championship “a festival”, N Chitra, Organiser from the Lemuria Varmakalari Adimurai World Organisation said,

Every year we arrange this sort of an event three to four times. People come from other cities including Chennai and Coimbatore. The parents are excited to see their children participate in a sporting event.

Adimurai offers numerous advantages. Practising Adimurai empowers individuals to attain inner peace and spiritual equilibrium, fostering control over both body and mind. It enhances overall physical fitness by improving cardiovascular stamina, flexibility, and general health. Additionally, Adimurai nurtures social values, encouraging social interaction, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

C Sugandhi explained,

Once the children come and participate, it will help them in their personal lives and offer various health benefits. If they perform well, they will move to a higher level in the sports to achieve bigger milestones in Adimurai sport.

Usha and Lemuria's endeavors to promote the native sport of Tamil Nadu aim to unite the entire community, resonating across various aspects such as fitness, women's empowerment, financial independence, and the revival of ancient culture and traditions.

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