Being one of the many happy and
proud members of Lit the Iight (LTL) group, I recently heard about a young lad
who is a chess player. So what is special about him being a chess player? He is
visually challenged person. As I got so curious and very anxious to know about
him further, I took the liberty of calling him.
Sai Krishna, complete personification of confidence, positive attitude and focus, impressed me from the very first ‘Hello’. He is a student of Loyola college, currently doing his BA in English Literature. His primary education was taken care at Little Flower convent while he continued his education at St. Louis school for blind, thereafter. He has been an outstanding student in academics as well.
Hailing from a middle class family, Sai krishna’s parents have been a great support for all his accomplishments so far. It all started with his mother casually introducing chess to him at a very tender age of 5. This, he says, was because of the fact that he could not go out and play as any other normal child would do at that age. Though it was just an idea to engage him, gradually he got inclined towards playing chess. Seeing his potential, his parents put him in a proper chess academy, where his interest and proficiency became multifold. So his daily routine was to go to school and after school hours it was chess gurukul till 9 pm. He got trained under Grandmaster Ramesh, who in his words, is his mentor and guide, not only in chess but also in his overall development. Sai Krishna attributes his academic achievements to his favorite game, as it gave him more focus and confidence. Though the routine was really strenuous, he never wanted to give up chess and this routine continued till his 11th grade.
Sai Krishna with his chess guru’s support and guidance could well play with even normal people. He has been a part of 3 prestigious international tournaments. Sai Krishna has travelled across to many places for which his father stood as a support pillar. While his mother set off the path for chess, his father was instrumental for making the journey a smooth one. Being a Central Government Employee, his father responsibility of taking him to classes and tournaments.
Best thing about this whole chat was when I questioned about how he managed to take the game this far, his reply was very simple. He said, “This is a sheer mind game. For people like you who see the game from outside it might look different but for us, players, it is all the same. And, this did not happen overnight for me. It happened very gradually over a period of few years. All I have to do is remember every move of mine and the opponent’s and thereby lead the game.”
There he said it in simple sentences without any complaints or grudges. No complaints about the 20kms travel from his residence to school, no complaints about his coming back late every night and no complaints about his playing against a person with normal vision. It was just the focus and determination which brought him his international ranking. On one hand it is Sai Krishna's hard work and efforts which has paid him so well while on the other, I could not stop myself from applauding and appreciating his parents for their immense support. Cannot move ahead without mentioning about Sai Krishna's sister, who is also a visually challenged person. She has completed her M.Phil. and waiting for her Lecturer post. She is happily married and presently working as a teacher.
After a 20 mins chat with Sai Krishna, I felt as if it was time travel for me as he took me through his childhood, schooling, chess games and his accomplishments. I was awestruck when he mentioned that he has enrolled himself in Kingmakers IAS academy and planning to take up IAS next year. After I ended the call, I thanked him and asked for his picture through Whatsapp. He sent is along with a message “Thanks mam and keep up the good work”.
Sai Krishna, complete personification of confidence, positive attitude and focus, impressed me from the very first ‘Hello’. He is a student of Loyola college, currently doing his BA in English Literature. His primary education was taken care at Little Flower convent while he continued his education at St. Louis school for blind, thereafter. He has been an outstanding student in academics as well.
Hailing from a middle class family, Sai krishna’s parents have been a great support for all his accomplishments so far. It all started with his mother casually introducing chess to him at a very tender age of 5. This, he says, was because of the fact that he could not go out and play as any other normal child would do at that age. Though it was just an idea to engage him, gradually he got inclined towards playing chess. Seeing his potential, his parents put him in a proper chess academy, where his interest and proficiency became multifold. So his daily routine was to go to school and after school hours it was chess gurukul till 9 pm. He got trained under Grandmaster Ramesh, who in his words, is his mentor and guide, not only in chess but also in his overall development. Sai Krishna attributes his academic achievements to his favorite game, as it gave him more focus and confidence. Though the routine was really strenuous, he never wanted to give up chess and this routine continued till his 11th grade.
Sai Krishna with his chess guru’s support and guidance could well play with even normal people. He has been a part of 3 prestigious international tournaments. Sai Krishna has travelled across to many places for which his father stood as a support pillar. While his mother set off the path for chess, his father was instrumental for making the journey a smooth one. Being a Central Government Employee, his father responsibility of taking him to classes and tournaments.
Best thing about this whole chat was when I questioned about how he managed to take the game this far, his reply was very simple. He said, “This is a sheer mind game. For people like you who see the game from outside it might look different but for us, players, it is all the same. And, this did not happen overnight for me. It happened very gradually over a period of few years. All I have to do is remember every move of mine and the opponent’s and thereby lead the game.”
There he said it in simple sentences without any complaints or grudges. No complaints about the 20kms travel from his residence to school, no complaints about his coming back late every night and no complaints about his playing against a person with normal vision. It was just the focus and determination which brought him his international ranking. On one hand it is Sai Krishna's hard work and efforts which has paid him so well while on the other, I could not stop myself from applauding and appreciating his parents for their immense support. Cannot move ahead without mentioning about Sai Krishna's sister, who is also a visually challenged person. She has completed her M.Phil. and waiting for her Lecturer post. She is happily married and presently working as a teacher.
After a 20 mins chat with Sai Krishna, I felt as if it was time travel for me as he took me through his childhood, schooling, chess games and his accomplishments. I was awestruck when he mentioned that he has enrolled himself in Kingmakers IAS academy and planning to take up IAS next year. After I ended the call, I thanked him and asked for his picture through Whatsapp. He sent is along with a message “Thanks mam and keep up the good work”.
Sai Krishna, you are a source of inspiration and motivation for everyone around you. I hope your story reaches and teaches many.
On behalf of LTL team and
personally from me, I wish you all the very best for all your future endeavours.
May God bless you with all that you want and wish for. May God bless you with
strength and power to face the road ahead. May your success enlighten
many. Thanks and cheers!!
Article by Gayatri
Very inspiring...All the best Sai Krishna to achieve much more...
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to Mr. sai Krishna
ReplyDeleteFantastic article . 3 cheers Sai krishna.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful article about a beautiful person who sees the world beautifully
ReplyDelete