The Department of Physical Education and Sports at Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth (CVV) celebrated International Chess Day on 18 July 2025 with an inspiring chess workshop titled ‘The Moves That Matter — A Chess Grandmaster on the Game of Life’, featuring Dr. Jonathan Rowson, renowned Chess Grandmaster, philosopher, writer and founding director of the London-based think tank Perspectiva.

The event began with an inaugural address by Prof. Dr. Manjula R Iyer (Deputy Dean – Academic and Head, School of CKS). A special address by Dr. Rowson’s mother added a personal and emotional touch to the celebration.

In his keynote session, Dr. Rowson shared profound insights on the connections between chess, spirituality, decision-making and personal growth, encouraging students to view chess not merely as a game but as a way of understanding life’s deeper moves.

An interactive Q&A session and a simultaneous chess match with student players from the CVV chess team brought practical engagement to the event. Though all four players were defeated, they gained valuable strategic insights directly from the Grandmaster.

The workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 70 students from various departments and campuses, making it a memorable and thought-provoking celebration of mind, sport, and spirit.