Checkmating Boredom & Nurturing Brilliance with Chessin2minutes!
“Chess is a game with many proven cognitive benefits, but most importantly, it offers a fun and engaging solution to the problems of boredom and loneliness. As a chess teacher, I recognized that the game’s complex rules could be a barrier to learning, so I developed a new curriculum inspired by the cultural pillars of Bollywood and cricket to make chess more accessible and enjoyable”
Meet Abhir Kewalramani, a chess enthusiast who’s making a game-changing impact through his initiative Chessin2minutes! Abhir’s mission? To tackle social barriers by teaching chess in a simplified and engaging way, making this strategic game accessible to everyone, regardless of age or background. Abhir doesn’t just talk the talk; he walks the walk. With TribesforGOOD’s support, he reached three nonprofits, reaching over 200 young women and students and tailoring live sessions and workshops to their specific needs. He even hosted tournaments, fostering a spirit of competition and camaraderie. Beyond the immediate benefits, these students now have a constructive pastime with proven cognitive advantages. The winning teams even received chessboards to continue their chess journeys.
The Power of the Pawn: Cognitive Development
We all know chess is a game of strategy and intellect, but did you know it can also spark creativity? Chess challenges both sides of the brain, boosting logical thinking and creative problem-solving. As a TribesforGOOD changemaker, Abhir is harnessing these benefits to bring joy, learning, and critical thinking skills to communities.
From Bollywood to Cricket: An Innovative Curriculum
“To make chess more accessible and engaging, I developed a proprietary curriculum that simplifies the game’s rules using relatable analogies from Bollywood and cricket, such as references to Rohit Sharma and the iconic duo Jai and Veeru.”
Tournaments and Triumphs: Where it All Started – Phase 1 – April 2024
“Teaching chess to children and grandparents during the pandemic made me recognize the game’s high barriers to entry since many of my pupils dropped out. The rules can be long and complex, and there is an ongoing belief that chess is reserved for only the incredibly bright.”
In April 2024, Abhir embarked on a transformative journey to Mumbai, marking the beginning of his ambitious project to bring the cognitive and social benefits of chess to underprivileged communities. Abhir’s first stop was to engage with students at NGOs – AngelXpress and Kshamata. His goal was to gauge the interest of the students in learning chess and to assess their ability to grasp the game’s fundamental concepts. What he discovered was both encouraging and enlightening. The students were not only eager to learn but also quick to pick up the basics of chess, defying the common misconception that chess is too complex for beginners, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. He also observed the differences in the way young boys and girls learn. Additionally, during the pilot sessions, Abhir noted a 100% participation rate, with all students actively engaging in the lessons and tournaments, demonstrating the effectiveness of his teaching method.
Going back to the drawing board
Armed with this newfound understanding, Abhir went back to the drawing board. He refined his approach to ensure that his curriculum would not only teach chess effectively but also address the gender gap in participation.
Checkmating Addressing the Gender Gap: Chess for All – Phase 2 – August 2024
Abhir’s innovative approach has already had a significant impact. His Chessin2minutes curriculum was piloted at three NGOs—AngelXpress, Rainbow Foundation, and Kshamata—reaching over 80 students. These students, who come from some of the most disadvantaged backgrounds, were given the opportunity to learn chess in a way that was fun, easy to understand, and culturally relevant.
At Rainbow Foundation, the high energy and enthusiasm of the students made organizing a traditional tournament challenging. Still, Abhir adapted by dividing them into smaller groups, each running its own knockout-style competition, ensuring that every participant had a chance to compete and enjoy the game.
Beyond the numbers, the qualitative impact of the initiative is profound. Teaching chess to children who face significant barriers to quality education and extracurricular activities has provided them with a constructive pastime that not only enhances their cognitive skills but also offers a much-needed escape from the challenges of their daily lives. The success of the curriculum was evident in the enthusiasm and dedication shown by the students during the lessons and tournaments.
A Legacy of Learning: The Future of Chessin2minutes
The impact doesn’t stop here. Abhir has partnered with the SMCA (South Mumbai Chess Academy) to offer free training for students as part of the Chessin2minutes project. This collaboration ensures continued learning and growth for these young minds. Through his dedication and innovative approach, Abhir is making chess a powerful tool for social good, one checkmate at a time!
Join the Tribe!
Inspired by Abhir? Take action in your own community and share your passion with others. Visit our website – tribesforgood.com to learn more!
