How Sandip Upadhyay is Creating Chess Champions in Rural Gujarat
In a small village in Gujarat, a simple idea has changed many young lives. Meet Sandip Upadhyay, a teacher at Ratusinh na Muvada Government School in Mahisagar District. He decided to teach chess to his students — not for fame or money, but because he knew it could help them think better and dream bigger.
Over time, this one decision created six rated chess players and inspired over a hundred children to take up chess. What started as one teacher’s effort has now transformed the entire school. Today, Sandip’s students dominate tournaments and are even supported by the state government for their talent.
To support this incredible journey, a special chess camp was organized at their school on 9th–10th September. The goal was simple — to help these young minds grow stronger in chess and in life.
A Hidden Chess Village in Gujarat
India already has one famous “chess village” — Marottichal in Kerala — where everyone plays chess. But now, Gujarat has its own hidden gem. In this village, Sandip Upadhyay is leading a quiet revolution through chess. His passion has turned an ordinary government school into a hub of young chess talents.
A Visit to the Extraordinary School
When visitors arrived at the school, they were greeted by rows of smiling students. Every child there knew how to play chess! The walls had chessboards painted on them to help students visualize and calculate moves. It was simple, smart, and effective.
Students showcased their talents — one student, Divya, even recited the last World Championship game between Ding and Gukesh move by move! Every corner of the school reflected creativity and learning. There were custom “chess question papers,” shelves full of trophies, and students practicing puzzles in total silence.
Six Rated Players and Counting
Just months ago, the school had no rated players. Now, it proudly has six FIDE-rated players — Rohit Chauhan, Parth Chauhan, Yashpal Chauhan, Ashvin Chauhan, Rahul Chauhan, and Ramkishan Chauhan. Their dedication and discipline are inspiring others to follow their path.
More than 130 students joined the recent chess camp. They solved puzzles, played games, and worked together to improve. Some even formed small groups to tackle difficult positions. The focus and passion in their eyes showed how much chess means to them.
The Power of One Person
The school’s success proves how much difference one person can make. Sandip Upadhyay didn’t have extra funding or big sponsors. He used his own resources to buy boards, organize tournaments, and teach children every day. Today, his hard work is changing lives and bringing global recognition to his small village.
He often tells his students:
“I found my purpose. Now I want to help my students find theirs.”
His story reminds us that true education is about more than books — it’s about inspiring young minds to dream, think, and grow.
A Legacy in the Making
Now, chess is everywhere in the school — on walls, in classrooms, and in every child’s heart. The students’ confidence, discipline, and curiosity have grown with the game. Sandip’s simple vision has turned into a lifelong lesson:
“Knowledge is not power; implementation of knowledge is power.”
His students are not just learning chess — they are learning life skills, patience, focus, and determination. And all of it began with one teacher who believed in them.
Photos: Neeraj Dwivedi, Rasika Ratnaparkhi, Sandip Upadhyay
Source: CHESS BASE.in
