Chess Training at the Rotary Centre (31.8.2025)
The Rotary Centre at Kalimpong became alive and vibrant with the presence of children at the launched of Chess Training program on 31st August 2025. The aim of this initiative is to get the children away from mobiles and TV and give them an alternative to spend their time more purposefully positively and gainfully. On the day of inauguration 19 children enrolled for the training program. It was encouraging to see most parents accompanying the children to the opening ceremony.
The President Rtn Col AK Gogoi welcomed the children and parents. Rtn. Sanjogita Subba, the Chairperson of the Women Empowerment committee explained the purpose behind the training of the chess game and its benefits. She told that playing chess improves cognitive functions like memory, concentration, critical thinking and strategic planning along with reducing the screen time.
A short video on Anish Sarkar, who at three became the World’s Youngest FIDE rated chess player, was screened to motivate the children to play chess. After the introductory talk, Rtn. Col. Kunga Sherpa, introduced the game to the children. He also impressed upon the parents to encourage their children and continue in the learning process.
The Training on Chess game will be an ongoing process and will be taught every Sunday at The Rotary Centre, Kalimpong from
2.30 PM to 4.00PM. Besides Chess, the children will also be introduced to other personality building traits like public speaking, introduction to computers, hobbies ec.
The following Rotarians were present during the opening sessions: Rtn Sharda Mukhia, Rtn Mukesh Changia, Rtn Sanjay Bajla, Rtn Sheila Rai Fudong, Rtn Vikash Golyan jr., Rtn Vikas Kejriwal, Rtn Abhishek Pradhan & Rtn Pauline Shapphire Singh.
