Ms. Sridevi, 34, is a constable with the Royapettah All Women Police Station. She squeezes in time to teach the traditional martial art to over 80 children free of cost on Saturdays and Sundays between 7.30 a.m to 9.30 a.m. “I get some free time from work to teach during weekends. I want to ensure that they lead a healthy lifestyle and are able to defend themselves,” said Ms. Sridevi.
A national Silambam refree herself, Ms. Sridevi and her sister started learning the art in 1999 in her native Pudukottai. Her masters are Balasubramaniam and Gnanam. “While in college, I used to take free classes for schoolchildren in my hometown. Many have won State and national competitions. After joining the police force in 2006, I discontinued the practice,” she added.