The Malaysian Silambam Porr Kalai Council was founded in 2014 by Grandmaster Mooralitharan Narayanan, who also serves as its president. With a deep-rooted passion for Silambam, Grandmaster Mooralitharan has been actively involved in the martial art since 1985, previously contributing as a dedicated member of the Malaysian Silambam Association. Over the years, he has represented the club in numerous competitions, showcasing his expertise and commitment to preserving and promoting this traditional Indian martial art in Malaysia.
Grandmaster Mooralitharan’s journey in Silambam began at the young age of nine. His mother, who also had a background in martial arts, introduced him to a simple stick technique for self-defense. This initial lesson sparked a deep passion within him, leading him to pursue Silambam more seriously.
At the age of 15, he started teaching Silambam, sharing his knowledge and skills with others. His first competition was an international event held in India in 1994, where he led a team he personally coached. Under his guidance, the team achieved remarkable success, winning four medals. This milestone marked the beginning of his legacy, eventually leading to the formation of the Malaysian Silambam Porr Kalai Council, where he continued to shape and promote the traditional martial art.
The Malaysian Silambam Porr Kalai Council has steadily grown over the years, expanding its reach across Malaysia. Today, the council has branches in almost every state, except Kelantan and Perlis. These branches run Silambam classes, providing opportunities for students from various regions to learn and train. Additionally, the council has active classes in Sabah and Sarawak, further extending its influence.
Students from the Malaysian Silambam Porr Kalai Council have even competed at SUKMA (Sukan Malaysia), showcasing their exceptional skills at the national level. Each year, the council organizes four major events, which include an interstate Silambam competition, a school-level competition, a national Silambam championship, and the prestigious International Silambam Championship. The International Championship attracts teams from India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Indonesia, offering a platform for martial artists to display their talent on a global stage.
Beyond these competitions, the council also conducts special Silambam demonstrations at various events. In total, a minimum of 15 to 16 programs are organized annually, reinforcing its commitment to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Silambam.
One of their most notable annual programs is the Grand Unity Ponggal Celebration, which is organized on a large scale and embraces multicultural participation, including members of the Malay and Chinese communities.
Beyond conducting Silambam classes and competitions, the Malaysian Silambam Porr Kalai Council is also actively involved in community-based activities and welfare initiatives. For the past four consecutive years, they have voluntarily participated in garbage collection during the Thaipusam chariot procession. This initiative helps ease the burden of cleaning the roads and temple areas while ensuring a cleaner, more divine environment for devotees.
Grandmaster Mooralitharan shared that he established the Malaysian Silambam Porr Kalai Council not just to train students for competitions and victories. Through this association, he ensures that every student gains a strong foundation in this martial art, learning it from the basics without the pressure of competition. His primary focus is on preserving the longevity of Silambam, ensuring that its rich heritage is passed down to future generations.
“In order for this art to be passed down to the next generation, the current generation must be equipped with proper knowledge and experience. There are many techniques and aspects of Silambam that are not widely practiced here, and this art should be fully embraced. My students should develop a deeper understanding of Silambam, including its history, and become well-trained masters capable of teaching others. That is my primary intention—only after that comes the competitions,” he said.
As the Malaysian Silambam Porr Kalai Council marks its 10th year, it has achieved a remarkable milestone beyond its incredible accomplishments. The council has established the Porr Kalai Museum, showcasing the various equipment and weapons used in the art of Silambam. The museum features a diverse collection of traditional Silambam tools, making it a significant tribute to this ancient martial art. Notably, this is the first Porr Kalai museum in Malaysia dedicated to Silambam, further cementing the council’s commitment to preserving and promoting the art for future generations.
When asked about his inspiration for establishing the Porr Kalai Museum, Grandmaster Mooralitharan shared that he had already accumulated a vast collection of Silambam equipment over the years. He explained that when he first began learning Silambam, his masters would present him with Silambam sticks as tokens of appreciation and as certification for completing each level. Out of deep respect for his masters and love for the art, he never used these sticks but treasured them instead.
Similarly, he also preserved Silambam-related weapons and equipment that he received as prizes or tokens of appreciation at various events. Over time, his collection grew significantly, including rare artifacts that are no longer in use today. Rather than keeping them at home, he felt that showcasing them would serve as a valuable knowledge hub for students and enthusiasts of the martial art. This realization sparked the idea of opening a museum, ensuring that these rare and historic pieces could educate and inspire future generations.
“The cost of building a museum was too high, and we struggled to find a suitable location. As a solution, we dedicated a specific space at our main Silambam center in Nilai to exhibit all the equipment. Additionally, we imported a few artifacts from India to enhance the collection.
This museum is open to the public and has welcomed many visitors. Tamil schools often bring students for educational visits, providing them with valuable insights into the art of Silambam. Recently, tourists from Singapore also visited the museum, further highlighting its significance as a cultural and historical attraction.”
This museum holds the distinction of being the first of its kind in Malaysia, specializing exclusively in exhibits related to Silambam. This is a remarkable achievement, as it serves as a dedicated space to preserve and showcase the rich history, techniques, and traditional weaponry of this ancient martial art.
Grandmaster Mooralitharan emphasized that the younger generation today is increasingly disconnected from their roots, traditions, and knowledge of martial arts. He pointed out that as time progresses, the interpretation of Silambam has evolved, and many people are unaware of its true significance.
He expressed concern that while martial arts like Karate and Taekwondo receive widespread recognition and importance, the same level of respect and dedication is not given to Silambam, despite it being a traditional and ancient martial art. He strongly believes that more individuals should take up Silambam to preserve and continue this invaluable cultural heritage.
The Malaysian Silambam Porr Kalai Council stands as a beacon of dedication and perseverance in preserving and promoting the traditional martial art of Silambam. Under the leadership of Grandmaster Mooralitharan Narayanan, the council has not only nurtured skilled practitioners but has also contributed significantly to the cultural and historical preservation of this ancient art form.
From training students across Malaysia to hosting prestigious national and international competitions, and even establishing the first-ever Porr Kalai Museum, the council has played a crucial role in ensuring that Silambam remains a vibrant and respected discipline. Their commitment extends beyond martial arts, as they actively engage in community service and cultural celebrations, fostering unity and awareness among people of all backgrounds.
All the information and images are provided by Grandmaster Mooralitharan
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
