Sat Feb 01 04:47:23 UTC 2025: ## Chess Triumphs Over Addiction in India’s “Chess Village”

**Marottichal, India** – A small South Indian village once plagued by alcoholism and gambling has undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming a renowned chess hub and a testament to the power of the game. Marottichal, nestled in Kerala’s Thrissur district, is now known as the “Chess Village of India,” with an estimated 75% of its 6,000 residents proficient in the game.

The village’s journey began in the 1970s and 80s, a period marked by widespread alcohol production and gambling that pushed many families into poverty. Children went without food and clothing. However, the tide turned with the return of Charaliyil Unnikrishnan, a former Maoist, who in the late 1980s established a teahouse and spearheaded a community initiative to combat the crisis.

Unnikrishnan, along with friends and the support of wives angered by their husbands’ addiction, organized raids on illicit liquor production sites. Simultaneously, he introduced chess as a unifying activity. The strategic nature of the game, combined with the social interaction it fostered, gradually replaced the destructive habits.

The initiative proved remarkably successful. Alcoholism and gambling significantly declined as families gathered around chessboards instead of liquor bottles. Today, Marottichal boasts numerous competitive chess players, including Gowrishankar Jayaraj, a 15-year-old blindfolded chess prodigy ranked among India’s top 600 players. The village even holds the Universal Asian Record for the most concurrent amateur chess players.

The story of Marottichal’s revitalization is not just a local triumph but also a compelling case study on the positive impact of chess in addiction recovery. The village’s experience mirrors similar initiatives globally, where chess has been used to treat addiction and improve cognitive function. A documentary, “The Pawn of Marottichal,” is set for release this year, highlighting the village’s inspiring journey. Unnikrishnan, now hailed as a local hero, believes that while chess wasn’t solely responsible for the change, it played a significant role in fostering a healthier community. The success of Marottichal serves as a powerful example of how a simple game can bring about profound societal change.

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