KOCHI: On most evenings, Iris Maju, 37, arrives at the Bal Bhavan in Panampilly Nagar here to take classes on martial arts. After the warm-up, she gets into the groove under the watchful eyes of Sivan Gurukal, of Sree Agasthya Kalari. Owing to the high humidity, perspiration drips down her face. For the past three months, Iris has been training in kalaripayattu. And there is a specific reason for it. Iris represented India at the Mrs. World competition on Saturday, at Dongguan in China, after she won the Mrs India competition, at Pune, in September, 2015 .
“For the talent competition, I wanted to do something different,” she says. “Since kalarayapayittu is a martial art of Kerala, I want to take it to the international platform, with the message on how women can protect themselves.” There is a myth that kalari is only about using weapons. In fact, you can use a dupatta, and with the right kalari technique, you can protect yourself from attack. “You can also use the umbrella, like a stick, poking and hitting the attacker,” says Iris. “The ladies bag is a weapon too. Learning kalari is also beneficial for one’s health. It relaxes the mind, strengthens the abdomen, as well as the lower parts of the body.” During the day, Iris is practicing wearing the gown. This is of a metallic gold colour, with an intricate handwork on the sleeves and train. This has been sponsored by Kochi-based designer Priya Varma.
Iris will also be wearing a traditional hand-woven Kanjeevaram saree, which is being sponsored by Beena Kannan of Seemati. “It has peacock and mango symbols,” says Iris. She will also highlight the fact that she is a green activist. “Cycling is my way of supporting a green environment,” says Iris, who cycles 15 kms a day. The wife of a Shillongbased Army colonel, Maju Joseph, Iris has done a lot of social service through the Army Wives’ Welfare Association. “I have conducted English-speaking courses and taught bag-making to the wives of jawans,” she says.