Marottichal: From Darkness to Brilliance Through Chess

The Enchantment of Marottichal

Nestled at the foot of the majestic Western Ghats in Kerala, India, lies Marottichal, a quaint village that has transcended its historical struggles to become a beacon of hope and resilience. Once plagued by alcoholism and gambling, the village now thrives as a hub for chess enthusiasts, earning it the title of the “Chess Village of India.” Today, the vibrant streets of Marottichal resonate with stories of triumph, strategy, and community engagement, all revolving around a game that has transformed lives.

The Blindfolded Prodigy

At the heart of this chess renaissance is 15-year-old Gowrishankar Jayaraj, a rising star who captivates audiences with his remarkable talent. One sunny afternoon, amid half-empty teacups and scattered personal belongings, Jayaraj competes in a thrilling game against Baby John, a seasoned player who feels the pressure of this extraordinary match. The twist? Jayaraj plays blindfolded, relying solely on his mental map of the board and the moves called out by a designated referee. His ability to visualize and adapt to the ever-changing game dynamics leaves onlookers in awe.

“Gowrishankar is just 15 and already something of a chess prodigy,” says John, his expression shifting from discomfort to admiration. “He beats me even when he is blind.” This captivating scene is emblematic of the talent nurtured in Marottichal, where chess is more than a pastime; it is a way of life.

A Heritage of Chess

The story of Marottichal’s rise as a chess stronghold dates back to the early 2000s, when it became renowned for its chess proficiency. “More than 4,500 people here—or 75 percent—of the village’s 6,000 residents are proficient players,” John notes proudly. Chess flourishes in every corner, from the shade of bus stops to the playground, with locals engaged in spirited matches.

Gowrishankar Jayaraj ranks among the top 600 active chess players in India, backed by a hope to further elevate the country’s reputation in the global chess scene. His ambition comes at a time when India is enjoying a renaissance in chess, celebrating victories at prestigious events such as the Chess Olympiad and the World Chess Championship.

From Despair to Revival

Marottichal’s transformation from a village caught in a web of addiction to a vibrant chess community can be traced back four decades. In the 1980s, rampant alcohol abuse and gambling had woven a fabric of despair, leaving families torn apart. It wasn’t until Charaliyil Unnikrishnan, a former Maoist rebel, returned to the village that things began to change.

Understanding the detrimental grip that alcohol had on his community, Unnikrishnan gathered like-minded individuals to confront the issues head-on. “It was a dark time back then for our community,” he recalls. Together, they raided illicit brewing houses and pooled resources to create a support network that would help families recover from addiction.

The Power of Chess

Unnikrishnan’s solution involved more than just combatting substance abuse; it centered on redirecting the villagers’ energy and focus onto chess, a game that fosters strategic thinking and community bonding. He opened a teahouse that became the heart of Marottichal’s chess revival, offering a safe space for people to come together and engage in friendly matches.

Through this initiative, the allure of chess began to spread, penetrating households and creating a newfound camaraderie. Over time, the once-frequent gatherings for gambling shifted to enthusiastic chess matches, with families huddled around boards rather than bottles. “Chess gave us something new,” reflects Francis Kachapilly, a recovered addict who found solace in the game.

Healing Through Strategy

The impact of chess in Marottichal extends beyond mere entertainment. For residents like Jayem Vallur, chess played a crucial role in recovery from life-altering injuries. After a near-fatal motorcycle accident rendered Vallur partially paralyzed, friends like Unnikrishnan and John brought chess to him as a therapeutic outlet. As they gathered around a chessboard, Vallur’s cognitive skills began to improve, allowing him to regain mobility and joy.

“Chess brought me back to life,” Vallur asserts, encapsulating the profound impact that the game has had not only on individuals but the entire community.

A Bright Future

With the village’s dedication to chess firmly established, Marottichal continues to produce exceptional talents, including the likes of Gowrishankar Jayaraj, who dreams of becoming a grandmaster. The village’s success has already been recognized with accolades, such as the Universal Asian Record for the greatest number of amateur competitors playing chess simultaneously.

As Gowrishankar bests opponents and showcases his skills, Marottichal’s story of transformation becomes a source of inspiration, proving that even the darkest past can lead to a brilliant future. The synergy of community, perseverance, and chess continues to enrich the lives of the residents, underlining the village’s evolution from a hub of despair to one of hope and possibility.

In the afternoons at Unnikrishnan’s teahouse, the laughter and shouts of joy echo as villagers gather to witness one more victory, often shared between generations. “He is going to make the whole of India proud,” Vallur enthusiastically predicts about Jayaraj, embodying the spirit of a village reborn through the art of chess.