Lathi Charge

For the past three years,over 35 students have been gathering at this venue every weekend to learn the art of working with ancient weapons from Narendra Dattatreya Suryavanshi. He does not charge a single penny for imparting training on the age-old skill,which also had a mention in epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. “My only aim is to revive this dying art form and bring it to a position so that it finds a place in the Olympics some day,” says 43-year-old Suryavanshi,who works in the administration department as a selection grade clerk of PMPML five days a week and devotes his weekends to training his students.

Suryavanshi himself learnt the art when he was 13 years old and based in Sangamner. “There were some performers who were a part of the famous play ‘Janata Raja’ who taught me the art,” he recalls. Though he kept practising it individually,it was only three years back that he decided to promote it amongst the younger generation. “I realised that the art was gradually losing its identity,” he adds. Today,he along with his students has formed a group called Shivdigvijay Mardani Lokkala Prabodhini,which aims to promote the Indian martial art. It takes minimum three years to master the art,says Suryavanshi.

The students,including four girls,are in the age group of 12 to 20 years. The youngest is 12-year-old Prateek Suryavanshi. The group recently performed at Bhimthadi Jatra. They are also regularly seen wielding their weapons at the Ganesh Festival and various cultural programmes. “Whenever we need to buy some additional weapon,we all contribute,” says Suryavanshi.

Do parents hesitate in enrolling their children for such dangerous tricks? He’s quick to reply,“They are hesitant only till they don’t see me teaching. Till date,none of the students has received any major injury while performing these stunts.”

Working with these weapons and mastering them helps the students to build concentration,gain flexibility and become courageous. Besides,says Suryavanshi,it also imbibes the spirit of sportsmanship. “I am quite confident that if a situation arises,I can easily deal with at least 10 people with one lathi,” says Rasika,who feels that every woman should learn this art. “Owning a pistol requires a licence but lathi,kathi and other such weapons which can easily be used for self-defence,” she adds.

Suryavanshi is currently trying to collaborate with others who are teaching similar art forms in different parts of the country. “We will work together towards bringing this game into the Olympics,” he concludes.