Sri Dr. Surya Narayan Verma Ji: A Path of Mastery, Devotion, and Legacy

A Life Committed to Tradition and Excellence
It is our privilege to talk about none other than the modest and remarkable Sri Dr. Surya Narayan Verma Ji—a legend of Kalaripayattu, traditional medicine, and integral well-being. It is not possible with mere words to summarize the immense learning, expertise, and contributions he has made in martial arts and ancient healing processes, but let us try to bring to the fore his glorious journey.

Sri Verma Ji was exposed to the realm of Kalaripayattu from a young age. His training started under his grandfather, Sri Kaltharakal Vasudevan Gurukkal, or Vasu Gurukkal, who was himself a student of Malappuram Sukumaran Gurukkal. At the tender age of nine, he was told to continue his training under Sri Koloth Sreedharan Gurukkal, under whom he trained and participated in several championships until the age of 30.

After the demise of his illustrious guru, Sri Verma Ji made a momentous decision to preserve and promote Kalaripayattu and holistic healing. He founded the Agasthya Bharatha Institute of Panchakarma and Health Studies in Kadavanthara, which was both a Kalari training school and a Panchakarma medical college. This esteemed institution, affiliated with Bharath Sevak Samaj, specialized in training students in Traditional Kalari Marma therapy, Ayurveda Nursing, Panchakarma, and holistic healing.

A Scholar and Practitioner of Diverse Traditions
Sri Verma Ji’s thirst for knowledge led him to seek further expertise under some of the most revered masters. He received training from Kadathanadu Chandran Gurukkal’s chief disciple, Sri Unikrishgnan Gurukkal (KPCGM), and the distinguished Vallabhatta Vishwanathan Gurukkal. His pursuit of excellence extended beyond Kalaripayattu, delving deep into the Marma Shastra and Thekkan Kalari Chikilsa Muraikal (the traditional Siddha Marma treatment methods).

His research journey took him over regions, learning from great masters like Nagercoil Pandaravilai Savairajan Nadar Aashan, Madurai Padiyarajan Ashan, and Kanyakumari Kambavilla Arjunan Ashan. His commitment further took him to Purushotaman Vaidyar and Tommy Vaidyar, from whom he learned Panchakarma, traditional tantric healing, and holistic well-being methods.

To even further engage himself in divine traditions, Sri Verma Ji completed rigorous training in Pooja Karma, Kshetra Acharas, and Tantra Vidhi from the great Nagercoil Neelakandan Potti, a great Acharya of Agastya Gurukulam Varma Kala Tantra Vidya Kshetra. Neelakandan Potti blessed and appointed Sri Verma Ji as his successor himself, just before his death, handing over the onus of heading Agasthya Gurukulam to him.

A Champion and Mentor in Kalaripayattu
Sri Verma Ji’s exceptional contributions to Kalaripayattu were recognized when, in 2010, he became an official member of the Kerala Kalaripayattu Association, affiliated with the Sports Council of Kerala. His unwavering commitment led him to establish the Agastiya Bharatha Kalari Training Institute in Ernakulam, where he has successfully trained 67 champions who have secured prestigious victories at the district, state, and national levels, including at the Khelo India Youth Games and National Games.

Despite his monumental achievements, his insatiable hunger for learning remains unquenched.

Remarkable Achievements and Accolades
Sri Verma Ji’s impact extends beyond training champions—his contributions have been acknowledged at national and international levels:

Khelo India Youth Games: He was recognized as a certified coach representing Kerala and later promoted as a technical official in Chandigarh (2022) and Trichy (2023).
37th National Games (Goa, 2023): Promoted as a Technical Official by the Indian Kalaripayattu Federation.
Kalaripayattu Council of Karnataka: Successfully organized and coordinated this organization, which is a member of the Indian Kalaripayattu Federation and the Sports Authority of Karnataka. Now Works as an Honorary State Secretary and a member of the Sports Authority of Karnataka (SAK).
38th National Games (Haridwar, Uttarakhand, 2025): Once again promoted as a Technical Official by the Indian Kalaripayattu Federation.
Training Legacy: He has trained more than 4,000 students from all over India and abroad in Kalaripayattu, Panchakarma Chikitsa, Kalari Chikitsa, and Marma Chikitsa.

A Class Apart: Why Sri Verma Ji Stands Out?
A few exclusive achievements distinguish Sri Verma Ji as a legend in his class:

International Appreciation in Japan (2014): Honored to be among the top five elite fighters chosen from India for receiving high-level unarmed combat training by Okama Sensei in Japan.
Honorary Doctorate: In appreciation of his work in Kalaripayattu and traditional healing, he was conferred a Doctorate by Euro-Asian University.
International Coaching Recognition: Chosen as among the first five Indian coaches at the international level in 2014.
World Martial Arts Federation: Has the esteemed titles of International A-Grade Referee, Technical Analyst, and Coach.
Champion in Unarmed Combat: He was National Champion in Unarmed Combat for nine years running and has won:
Gold for India at the South Asian Tournament (2009)
Gold at the Asian Tournament (2010)
Bronze at the International Level (2012)—the first Indian to win this honor.
National Defense Training: A professional trainer in unarmed combat, providing pre-recruitment and commando training to national defense forces.
A Student for Life: With all his numerous awards, his strongest faith lies in being a student forever, learning and growing continually.

A Legacy of Devotion and Humility
Sri Dr. Surya Narayan Verma Ji's path is one of inspiration to all—of discipline, mastery, and unrelenting commitment to keeping alive the rich heritage of Kalaripayattu and integral healing. His life's work has not only molded champions but also brought new life to ancient Indian knowledge systems, ensuring their continued relevance in the contemporary world.

Despite his towering accomplishments, he is ever so humble, committed to learning and teaching, convinced that the quest for knowledge has no end. His story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and humility, making him a true luminary in the realm of martial arts and traditional healing.