MAROTTICHAL - THE CHESS VILLAGE OF INDIA
On a chess board you are fighting, as we are also fighting the hardships in our daily life. Chess helps us overcome difficulties and sufferings.
— Mr. C. Unnikrishnan
mAROTTICHAL
Almost five decades ago, during the 60s and 70s, the Marottichal Village was the complete opposite of what it is today. It was infamous for the ill practices here. Alcoholism, gambling, and domestic violence were common in this village. The residents of this village were also found brewing their alcohol. It was to the extent that all attempts made to stop these ill habits went in vain. That is when the game of chess rescued this village.
Mr. Unnikrishnan, a teashop owner in the village was very fond of this Indian-origin game. He was so attached to it that he wanted to teach it to the people of his village. After learning it himself, he gave free chess-playing lessons to the villagers. His teashop has become a place where anyone can come and play chess at any time.
This is the only village in India where thousands of people learn how to play chess. Gradually, they became so addicted to it that they left all their unhealthy habits. Currently, around 90% of this village’s population are chess players, irrespective of gender and age.
