Our travels across the landscape of India's traditional sports, now seeing a revival thanks to Usha, bring us to Telangana and the fascinating world of Karra Samu and Kathi Samu. Karra Samu, or stick fighting, is a traditional martial art from Andhra Pradesh that spread across Telugu regions. It is deeply rooted in the rich history of the area. Dating back centuries, this form of combat came about as a form of self-defence - to prevent thefts which were then common in villages and to ward off robbers who may waylay you during your travels. Replace the stick with a sword or Kathi, and you have Kathi Samu, an ancient skill mastered they say by the royal armies of the region.
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It is the Karra and the Kathi, or the stick and the sword that set Karra Samu and Kathi Samu apart from other martial arts. Used for both offense and defence, these are incredibly dynamic and visually captivating martial art forms. Karra Samu and Katti Samu are a required attraction during community gatherings and sometimes, marriage processions. The waving of the stick during Karra Samu is done to the beats of an instrument called Tasha. Most demonstrations begin with the showing of individual talent, and then other performers join in for a group fight - their sticks twirling and waving to block and paralyse the other. Not only is Karra Samu good for physical strength, agility and mental focus, but it can also still be a powerful tool for self-defence.
Raj Kumar, Deputy Manager at Usha International Limited said the organisation is working for women's empowerment, in terms of promoting good health and hygiene and economic development. He added,
As part of this program, we are encouraging and promoting Karra Samu and Kathi Samu. It's a traditional sport for the tribal community, and residents of forest areas. Self-protection is required for tribal women.
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Leading the charge for the revival of this precious ancient form of sport, which still has use and relevance today, are the teachers of the Usha Silai School.
It is their ardent belief that by introducing these traditional sports to children, they are keeping their cultural identity alive. It is a way for them to connect with their roots and understand the importance of preserving traditions.
The event organised by the USHA Silai School teachers is not just about the sport. It's about celebrating the spirit of their communities, fostering unity, and inspiring the younger generation to stay connected with their roots.
Lauding the revival of traditional sports, Pooja Rathod, one of the trainers at the Usha Silai School said,
Today, women need this sport for their safety and health. Many women often live in fear but this sport is giving them courage and bringing them awareness.
Urvete Tanubai, another trainer shared the health benefits and said,
It's very beneficial because it is exercise and it strengthens the shoulders. It is good if learned properly.
Practitioners say that Karra Samu is not just about combat; it's a way of life. It teaches respect, discipline, and self-control. It instills a sense of camaraderie and creates a strong bond among the Karra Samu community.
For the people of Adilabad in Telangana - Karra Samu is also a time to celebrate, happening as it does during vibrant festivals and religious celebrations. With these long-forgotten martial art forms coming back into the spotlight, showcasing the rich heritage and talent of the region, it truly is time to celebrate.
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By the end of 2022, for every Rs. 100 invested in the training of women, the Usha Silai School generated an average of Rs. 8,300, reported IIT-Delhi study
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Among the aims and objectives of the CRPF Family Welfare Association is to skill the CRPF wives and give them a sense of accomplishment
Renowned for its skill development program in sewing and tailoring, Usha's training cum production centre is enabling the wives of Army personnel at the village level to become financially independent
Kushalta Ke Kadam, an initiative by USHA Silai School and NDTV has entered its eighth season. The aim is to empower more women across rural India by teaching them sewing skills and helping them open new doors of opportunities for themselves. The initiative encourages rural women to become financially independent and entrepreneurs by taking up sewing and training others in their respective communities.
Since 2011, the USHA Silai School initiative has trained more than 12 lakh rural women through over 33,000 Silai schools, spanning over 20,751 villages across India.
The women earn Rs. 4,000 – 5,000 per month on an average, with the highest recorded monthly earning being Rs. 84,000 in a month. This earning works as a catalyst towards building their self-confidence, reducing gender inequities, and raising their stature within their families and in society at large.
Rebari girls grow up learning traditional embroidery, which along with their new found sewing skills developed at Usha Silai Schools, is helping them earn a living.
Usha Silai School has empowered many rural women to support their family and send their children to school.
The Usha Silai School, established in a small nondescript village that goes by the name of Kottai, is helping empower people from varied communities.
The all-inclusive Usha Silai School Programme covers the entire nation from hamlets tucked between hills to villages cast by the sea.
Vegetables farmers from the Mizoram hills earn very little given the topography of the area. Usha Silai Schools have played an important part in this region by skilling women to financially contribute towards their households.
Usha Silai School learner Lucy has trained seven other women in her community, helping them to become financially independent.
Women like Kaviben from the nomadic Rebari community are finally laying down their roots as they begin to gain financial independence and thereby stability through Usha Silai School.
Usha Silai School, located in the Gujarat's Bhuj village, is enabling rural women to earn as much as Rs. 2,500-4,000 each month.
Usha Silai School, in association with a Gujarat based NGO called Kala Raksha, is trying to bring about a Silai revolution in Bhuj.
Besides training other women from their community, many Usha Silai School learners have become entrepreneurs in their own right.
With sewing becoming easily accessible and lucrative, the silai schools are also helping revive traditional motifs and designs.