11-year-old prodigy from Chennai sets record with blindfolded silambam and keyboard performance

Also Read: Meet 4x400m anchor runner Rajesh Ramesh

An idea

“Abinayaa has been attending silambam, keyboard, and Dhrona Third Eye Yoga classes for two years now. However, she started practising for this event about one and a half years ago,” shares Saranya Suresh, Abinayaa’s mother.

It was Deepa Muthukumar, the founder of Chennai Silamba Kalaikoodam, and Abinayaa’s mentor, who initially mooted the idea for such an attempt.

“Deepa ma’am noticed Abinayaa’s keen interest in these age-old art forms and brought forth this idea. We asked Abinayaa if she would be willing to attempt it. Despite having some initial inhibitions – ‘Will I be able to do it?’ and the like, she chose to put in her best efforts. We take pride not only in her current feat but also in the tireless efforts she has dedicated at such a young age and her discipline,” shares Sharanya.

Road to success

As part of the World Record programme, Abinayaa’s eyes were initially tapped, blindfolded, and then scrutinised to ensure no foul play. “After paying her respects to her aasan (teacher) with a ‘thalai vanakkam‘ using the silambam stick, she commenced her performance,” narrates Saranya.

For 41 minutes and 36 seconds, Abinayaa continuously twirled the Silambam in one hand. (Supplied)

For 41 minutes and 36 seconds, Abinayaa continuously twirled the Silambam in one hand while moving between multiple keyboards set on the stage, playing eight songs. “Coloured cones were brought onto the stage. These cones were placed on the keyboard, and Abinayaa had to play the keyboard based on the audience’s colour preference. This ensured the authenticity of the feat. Abinayaa would twirl the Silambam, and based on the colour that was announced, she would find her way to the keyboard and start playing the song,” explains Saranya.

How does one perceive colour while blindfolded? Deepa explains. “The practice of third-eye yoga has been part of our culture for ages. Regrettably, many are unfamiliar with this practice today. However, through third-eye yoga, individuals can perform tasks as if they had full vision, even while blindfolded. In our training school, we aim to introduce this concept to the public. Children tend to grasp it more quickly than adults, and some additional benefits include improved memory power and focus, among others,” elaborates Deepa, a silambam practitioner with over two decades of experience.

Also Read: Khel Ratna, a lifetime achievement, and seven Arjuna awardees from South

Child’s play

Abinayaa, a 6th-grade student at Vels Global School, is content with her achievement and is now taking a well-deserved rest before resuming training.

“Before attempting this record, I was quite scared. I wasn’t sure if I could do all three together. But now, all the training has paid off, and I am happy!” shares the articulate 11-year-old.

The event was organised by Agathiya’s Chennai Silamba Koodam and CSK Dhrona Third Eye Yoga. (Supplied)

The accomplishment, of course, didn’t come effortlessly and proved to be challenging for the youngster. “My hands would hurt a lot due to rotating the Silambam for a long time. But as I persisted in practising, the pain eased, and it became easier. I soon began enjoying the process. Romba jolly ah irundhuchu (It used to be a fun experience),” she shares.

Similarly, Abinayaa, along with a diet rich in nutrition, was provided with heavy sticks during practice to boost her stamina and strength, which proved beneficial on the day of the performance. “I found performing on the day of the record easier than during practice!” she laughs.

Potentials & pressures

In a time where conversations on achievement pressure among children are high, we ask Saranya how they achieved a way to ensure her mental wellness.

Abinayaa is a 6th-grade student at Vels Global School. (Supplied)

“Abinayaa has been an ‘average student’ in academics for most of her schooling. Her interest often swayed towards activities outside of academics. So, when she showed interest in yoga, silambam, and keyboard, I immediately enrolled her in these classes. I also did it to ensure she focused more on academics. I have learned that these skills improve concentration in children. However, what came out of it was completely different!” says Saranya.

Abinayaa spends a dedicated one to two hours completing her academic work and uses the rest of her time to build her foundation in these skills. “She is also enrolled in Hindi language and Badminton classes and enjoys them too. A hyperactive child, she prefers being engaged to sitting in one place and working. So, for an hour to two, she focuses and finishes her academic work. That gives her the impetus to step out and explore other things,” shares Saranya.

This approach has guaranteed her enjoyment of the learning process without imposing pressure to engage in activities she doesn’t prefer.

“If she feels a sense of burnout, we will immediately withdraw her from them. Her well-being is of utmost importance to us. But we want to be supportive and encourage her in her endeavours,” shares Saranya.

Also Read: First transgender to officiate a sports event in India calls for a national policy

Aspiring to achieve

Abinayaa’s achievement has boosted her confidence, inspiring her to aim for a Guinness World Record. (Supplied)

Ask Abinayaa how these skills have transformed her, and she says, “Previously, I would struggle even to decide between ice cream and chocolate – if given a choice. Now, my memory power has increased, my concentration has improved, and it has become easy for me to make decisions! Drona third eye yoga has helped me a lot in these aspects,” she shares.

“Silambam instilled discipline and body control in her while playing the keyboard enhanced her coordination,” notes Saranya.

Observing Abinayaa, her friends also appear to have developed an interest in silambam. “I am glad that through Abinayaa, more kids of her age are finding interest in learning our age-old art forms. My goal is to promote the safety and empowerment of women and children, through these forms,” shares Deepa, a proud teacher.

Abinayaa’s achievement has boosted her confidence, inspiring her to aim for a Guinness World Record. “Silambam, keyboard, and third eye yoga have become crucial to me. I’ll continue practising and training. My next aspiration is to attempt and secure a place in the Guinness Book of World Records,” adds Abinayaa.