Silambam staff guides them on the path of glory

Off the hustle bustle of the world, Athis fell for the martial art. He found solace and strength in the swings of the staff.

-  MS THANARAJ

What made Athis, a diploma holder in Silambam, different is his grit and perseverance.

Moved by the display of talent by differently-abled individuals in reality shows and movies, Athis decided to take a bolder step he reached out to a school for the visually disabled in Madurai, proposing to make free martial arts lessons for their students. And the art form, which largely relies upon the hand-to-eye coordination of the staff wielder, is now in the hands of five visually-impaired students, thanks to his dedication.

"For the past year, I have been training five students from St Joseph's Higher Secondary School for the Blind in Silambam," Athis said, his voice brimming with quiet pride.