Usha Silai Schools Reviving India's Traditional Sports For A Healthy Community Legacy
India's traditional sports like Adimurai, Mardani Khel, and Karra Samu and Kathi Samu, are now making a comeback, thanks to Usha. Here is how Usha is promoting a healthy and active lifestyle while strengthening the community's legacy tied to these sports, with the active participation of Usha Silai School women.
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Traditional sports play a crucial role in showcasing and preserving the essence of Tamil Nadu's cultural heritage. In Kanyakumari, "Adimurai" - a time-tested martial art form steeped in local history, is experiencing a resurgence with the support of Usha and the Lemuria Varmakalari Adimurai World Organization (VAWO).
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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.
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Beyond mere physical exercises, these sporting activities are a way to connect with the ethos of the land. This has been greatly made possible by the Silai women of Usha who play a vital role in organising, promoting, and actively participating in these rural sports events.
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"Mardani Khel" is a weapon-based Indian martial art, known especially for its use of the traditional Indian arms, "Patta" and "Vita", a sword and corded lance or spear. It was developed by Maratha warriors who were skilled in using special weapons and light armour specially made for their build and the hilly terrain of the relatively short builds.
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And now, in contemporary times, the women of the USHA Silai School are playing a crucial role in promoting martial art, by participating in the organisation of the USHA State Level Open Mardani Khel Tournament. The tournament is about celebrating the spirit of their communities, fostering unity, and inspiring the younger generation to stay connected with their roots.
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For the residents of Adilabad in Telangana, Usha rekindles the local love for "Karra Samu" and "Kathi Samu", an old-aged sword-fighting martial art that strengthens physical and mental prowess. As Usha's initiative revives these long-forgotten martial art forms, showcasing the rich heritage and talent of the region, it truly becomes a moment of celebration.
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Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the inspiring women at Usha Silai Schools, traditional sports are experiencing a resurgence in rural communities, uniting them through a shared legacy and culture, while offering valuable benefits to the younger generation.
