K. Pajanivel

Kaliappan Pajanivel (born 30 January 1973) is an Indian Silambam practitioner, martial arts instructor and performer from Puducherry. He is known for his work in the preservation and promotion of Silambam, a traditional martial art of Tamil Nadu. He received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Martial Arts in 2023 and the Padma Shri in 2026.

Early life and career K. Pajanivel was born on 30 January 1973 in Pooranankuppam, Pondicherry. He learnt Silambam under Master Rajaram and subsequently trained in other traditional South Indian martial arts such as Kuthu Varisai and Kalaripayattu.

In 2022, Pajanivel established the Mamallan Silambam and Folk Art Development Club in Puducherry. Through the institution, he has trained more than 5,000 students in Silambam and has organised free training camps for schoolchildren.

He has also trained students from Germany, France, Italy and Brazil in Silambam. He served as a referee at Silambam competitions.

In 2023, he received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Martial Arts in recognition of his contribution to the field. In 2026, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honour.