Rahul Gandhi Performs Kalaripayattu Steps at Idukki College Event

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi briefly showcased his interest in traditional martial arts when he joined a student to perform a few moves of Kalaripayattu during an interactive programme at Marian College, Kuttikkanam on Friday. The interaction was part of Gandhi’s visit to the college in Kerala’s Idukki district, where he engaged with students and faculty during a campus event that included cultural and extracurricular demonstrations.

The highlight of the event came when Dinashree, a student trained in Kalaripayattu, was invited to demonstrate the ancient martial art form on stage. Teachers at the college asked if any student with martial arts training could perform for the visiting leader, who is known to have a personal interest in the discipline. Dinashree stepped forward to present the demonstration and soon found herself joined by Gandhi, who tried out a few moves alongside her.

The moment quickly turned into an exciting experience for the student, who later said she was thrilled to perform with the senior Congress leader. The interaction drew enthusiastic applause from students gathered at the venue, many of whom recorded the moment on their phones. Gandhi appeared relaxed and engaged during the activity, briefly participating in the demonstration before continuing his interaction with the audience.

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Congress leader K. C. Venugopal, who accompanied Gandhi during the visit, also joined the stage during the demonstration. The event added a lively cultural touch to the programme, which otherwise focused on discussions with students about education, youth engagement, and public life. Photographs and videos from the moment quickly circulated on social media, drawing attention to the informal exchange between the leader and the students.

Kalaripayattu, considered one of the oldest martial arts traditions in the world, originated in Kerala and combines physical training, weapon practice, and spiritual discipline. The art form remains an important part of the state’s cultural heritage and is often showcased during educational and cultural events to promote traditional practices among younger generations.

Gandhi’s visit to the college formed part of his broader outreach to students and youth groups across the country. Such campus interactions allow political leaders to engage directly with young audiences, discuss issues affecting education and employment, and encourage participation in democratic and civic life. The Kalaripayattu moment, however, stood out as an unexpected highlight of the day’s programme at Marian College.

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