In a significant and inspiring encounter that celebrated India’s rich chess legacy, three young FIDE-rated chess players from Rajasthan—Alokik Maheshwari, Aradhya Upadhyay, and Hardik Shah—had the distinguished opportunity to meet renowned industrialist and chess patron Shri L.N. Jhunjhunwala. Accompanied by their coach, Mr. Prakash Parashar, the meeting took place at Mr. Jhunjhunwala’s New Delhi residence on June 9, following their participation in the Delhi International Open Grandmasters Chess Tournament held at Tivoli Gardens, Chhatarpur.
These promising young minds are students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya in Hurda, Rajasthan—one of the four educational institutions established by Mr. Jhunjhunwala to promote quality education and holistic development in rural regions of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The meeting not only honored their achievements but also served as a moment of deep inspiration drawn from Mr. Jhunjhunwala’s lifelong dedication to the growth of Indian chess.
Mr. Jhunjhunwala is widely credited with transforming a personal passion into a nationwide movement. His visionary leadership redefined chess beyond a game—framing it as a powerful tool to cultivate strategic thinking, discipline, and mental resilience among youth. His work helped bridge the gap between education and cultural enrichment, enabling chess to reach diverse sections of Indian society.
As a key figure in India’s chess revolution, Mr. Jhunjhunwala’s legacy includes the founding of the National Chess Trust of India in 1973, which significantly enhanced the sport’s infrastructure in the country. He was instrumental in organizing India’s first Grandmasters Tournament in 1982, a landmark event that elevated India’s international standing in the chess world. He actively promoted the integration of chess into school curricula and founded the Botvinnik Chess Academy, where legends like Viswanathan Anand and Abhijeet Gupta received training.
His commitment extended far beyond chess. Mr. Jhunjhunwala championed the development of youth through a variety of sports—including karate, archery, shooting, yoga, and athletics—reflecting his broad vision for physical and mental well-being. This holistic approach has become a model of synergy between sports and education.
He also launched India’s first chess magazine, Chess India, and fostered international collaboration in the sport. His groundbreaking initiatives not only brought chess into the mainstream in a cricket-dominated nation but also instilled the belief that Indian players could excel on the global stage—laying the groundwork for today’s achievements.
This memorable meeting between youth and a pioneer marks another chapter in India’s ongoing chess renaissance—rooted in inspiration, innovation, and the enduring legacy of Shri L.N. Jhunjhunwala.
