Hyderabad: ‘Karra Samu’ has become the latest craze among kids, thanks to the committed efforts of Tagulla Swarna Yadav and Sheikh Abdul Qader. This duo has taken it upon themselves to popularize this traditional Dravidian sport to empower the youth.
Swarna Yadav, hailing from a farming family in Nagarkurnool, Telangana, is also a passionate folk singer. Despite a challenging upbringing and numerous struggles while independently pursuing her passion, she decided to learn the art of self-defense in her early years.
After receiving training in Karra Samu in Tamil Nadu, Swarna founded the Swarna Arts Academy at Yousufguda in 2022. With the support of Mamidi Harikrishna, Director of the Department of Culture, the academy provides free training in Karra Samu and other traditional arts.
“Every boy and girl should learn self-defense. The academy was founded with the belief that the knowledge we gain should be shared,” Swarna said.
Quader’s passion for acting brought him to Hyderabad to pursue his career, where he met Swarna. Their shared interest in Karra Samu led to a partnership focused on preserving and promoting this ancient art form.
Their combined efforts have yielded success, with Karra Samu camps now established across various Hyderabad neighborhoods, including Yousufguda, Kukatpally, Madhapur, Manikonda, and Uppal. The academy has trained over 2,000 students, equipping them with the skills and confidence to face life’s challenges.
“We visit various schools in the city and offer training to nearby kids on the school grounds during mornings and evenings. The classes are free, with each batch lasting 45 days,” Qader explained.
The Swarna Arts Academy also offers advanced Karra Samu training at their Yousufguda location, with an intensive course spanning eight months. In addition to Karra Samu, the academy provides training in other traditional arts such as Villu Vidya, Mudugar, horse riding, gun shooting, wrestling, Mallakhamb, and sword fighting.
