Gujarat Teacher's Chess Crusade: Math Whiz Uses Own Funds to Boost Village Education

Chess is undergoing a golden era in India. With world champions, World Cup winners, and junior champions all emerging from the country, Indian chess is on the rise like never before. But to sustain this momentum, the sport needs a strong grassroots foundation. In a small village in Gujarat’s Mahisagar district, one teacher has taken it upon himself to build that base.

In Ratusinh Na Muvada, almost every child at the local government primary school is learning the art of chess, thanks to 45-year-old mathematics and Gujarati teacher, Sandip Upadhyay. For him, chess is not just a game, but a tool to sharpen young minds and expand opportunities.

Upadhyay has gone beyond classroom duties to fuel this passion. From his own salary, he has purchased 125 chess sets, 35 timers, and several chess books for the children. He even translated The Magnus Method by Emmanuel Neiman into Gujarati so that local students could access advanced chess knowledge in their mother tongue.

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A Teacher’s Commitment

Upadhyay’s philosophy is simple but powerful: “I have a rule. A small percentage of my salary will be devoted to the children. I am earning because of the children, so they have the right.” He has even started a trust to ensure that this initiative continues sustainably. Importantly, he insists academics are never compromised. “During holidays, we come to school and help the kids study chess,” he explains.

Success on the Board

The results are already visible. In 2023, 14 of his students were selected for district-level chess programmes, followed by another seven in 2024. These programmes provide free education, training, and hostel accommodation, opening doors to a brighter future.

While not every child may grow up to be a grandmaster, Upadhyay believes the value of chess goes far beyond competition. It builds focus, analytical thinking, and resilience—skills essential for life.

Through his unwavering dedication, Sandip Upadhyay has not only popularised chess in his village but also created a model for grassroots sports development in India. His vision ensures that the next generation of chess stars may well emerge from Gujarat’s classrooms.