Naphisaroi is a 9 year old martial artist training in the ancient martial art form - Kalaripayattu, one of the oldest and most scientific art forms that takes inspiration from the flow and biomechanics in nature. She has been training under the guidance of Ranjan Mullaratt Gurukkal in Bengaluru. (*A Master or Guru is addressed as "Gurukkal" in the traditional Kalari learning practice).
Ranjan Gurukkal is the founder and leader of the Kalari Gurukulam, a Kalari training and research academy based in Bengaluru. With over 25 years of training students from different age groups, gender and walks of life - Ranjan Gurukkal strives to create a deep connection with this martial and performing art as a disciplined way of life amongst the youth. He leads national and state level Kalari sports contingents, conducts short workshops and long form training programs, organises performances at cultural events, and gives lectures / demonstrations to create awareness. He has had the privilege to personally perform at prestigious events such as the French Festival Latitudes Vilette Lude de Sud and Olympic Council of Asia at Kuwait. (taken from the website)
Naphisaroi started showing natural talent in the art form at an early age of three years by imitating her paternal cousin sister who is also a trained and accomplished artist in Kalaripayattu. Her parents were advised that she should only start regular training at the age of seven. Having met with the Gurukkal multiple times, he accepted her to the Gurukulam at the age of six. From then on it has been a steep, but purposeful learning curve for her, and she has continued to practice and imbibed the discipline in her daily routine. With her hardwork and dedication she has been fortunate to have got opportunities to perform in front of accomplished Kalari exponents and dignitaries like Padma Shri Meenakshi Amma Gurukkal; renowned South Indian music director and singer Dr. Hamsalekha and Mrs Latha Hamsalekha. She has performed at the audio launch of a movie based on Kalaripayattu - "Look Back". She has been participating in the Karnataka State Kalaripayattu Championship consecutively for 2 years and has won accolades in two categories of solo performances - Meipayattu and Chuvadu at the Karnataka District Championship held in February 2024. And she continues to train for the upcoming State and National Level championships.
As an extension of her passion for the art form, she participates every year in a month-long residential summer camp organised by Ranjan Gurukkal at the Gurukulam in Bengaluru. She is perhaps the first Khasi and the only one currently practising this ancient martial and performing-art form.
Naphisaroi has a keen interest in learning multiple languages and can fluently speak a few namely - Khasi, Malayalam, Kannada, and learning Hindi at school apart from English which doesn't need to be mentioned.
Apart from these she's passionate about nature and wildlife, reptiles (snakes) in particular, and marine life forms and ecosystems. When she grows up, she would like to explore becoming a marine biologist or a herpetologist. Other than physical activities, she is an avid reader.
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