Marottichal, a small village in southern India, has gained recognition as the “Chess Village of India” due to the high proficiency of its residents in the game of chess. One of the rising stars from this village is 15-year-old Gowrishankar Jayaraj, who competes blindfolded against opponents much older than him.
The transformation of Marottichal from a community plagued by alcohol addiction and gambling to a thriving village centered around chess is credited to Charaliyil Unnikrishnan. Unnikrishnan, a former Maoist rebel, returned to the village in the late 1980s and introduced chess as a means to combat addiction. He orchestrated raids on illicit alcohol production houses and replaced drinking and gambling with chess competitions, bringing the community together.
The impact of chess on the village has been profound, with cases of addiction and gambling declining significantly. Many residents, like Jayem Vallur, credit chess with helping them overcome difficult challenges. Vallur, who was paralyzed after a near-fatal accident, attributes his recovery to regular chess matches during his rehabilitation.
The success of Marottichal in using chess as a tool for rehabilitation and community building has garnered attention, leading to the production of a documentary highlighting the village’s journey. With talented players like Jayaraj emerging from Marottichal, there is hope for a bright future for the village and a continuation of its legacy as a hub for chess excellence.
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