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Atanu Lahiri Uses Chess to Promote Social Change
Atanu Lahiri is a chess player who wants chess to help children and communities.
He started a project called Mission Chess For Change in January 2025.
The project focuses especially on children who are poor or live in remote places.
Lahiri believes winning a chess game can make children feel more confident.
He also says chess can give young people a positive activity instead of spending too much time on phones.
He has visited schools and community groups in several parts of India and Nepal.
Girls in Doru, Jammu and Kashmir, showed strong interest in learning the game.
Lahiri now wants organizations, sponsors and local leaders to help the project reach more children.
International Master Atanu Lahiri launched the self-funded Mission Chess For Change project in January 2025.
The initiative aims to support disadvantaged children and communities facing geographical disadvantages through chess.
Lahiri says chess can build confidence, reduce mobile addiction and encourage community development.
He has promoted chess in Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Nepal and other locations.
Lahiri is seeking NGO partners, sponsors and local community leaders to expand the project.
- Who
- International Master Atanu Lahiri and disadvantaged children and communities are central to the initiative.
- What
- Lahiri is using chess education and outreach to promote confidence, reduce mobile addiction and support social transformation.
- Where
- The initiative has reached places including Manipur, Doru in Anantnag district, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Digha, Varanasi and Buddhist monasteries in Nepal.
- When
- The project began in January 2025; the article also refers to visits in November, toward the end of 2025, and in March.
- Why
- Lahiri wants chess to empower disadvantaged children, address geographical disadvantages and contribute to community development.
Key facts
- Project
- Mission Chess For Change
- Founder
- International Master Atanu Lahiri
- Launch
- January 2025
- Target groups
- Disadvantaged children and communities facing geographical disadvantages
- Activities
- Chess awareness programs, teaching sessions and community outreach
- Locations mentioned
- Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Digha and Nepal
- Support sought
- NGO partners, sponsors and local community leaders
Quotes
Atanu Lahiri
International Master and founder of Mission Chess For Change
“The idea is to imbibe confidence in these groups. For instance, on learning chess, a young boy or girl from a remote area and less-privileged background can take on someone living in a prominent city and even beat him/her in an online game.”
telegraphindia.com
“I had this in mind to bring about social transformation through chess. It’s intended mainly for the disadvantaged groups and children, and also those dealing with geographical disadvantages in places like Manipur and Kashmir.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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