Empowering Teachers, Inspiring Students: FIDE Chess in Education at Madras Christian College
FIDE Chess in Education Commission (CIE), in partnership with the Emmanuel Chess Centre, inaugurated Chess in Education - Preparation of Teachers' (PoT) course at Madras Christian College (Autonomous). The three-day intensive training was held by WIM Rita Atkins and Dr. Ebenezer Joseph from 22nd to 24th January 2026 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Check out Joseph's account of the seminar and get to know how chess is impacting the lives of people far beyond the 64 squares, titles, trophies and triumphs. Photos: CM FT SLI Ebenezer Joseph
Chennai, January 22–24, 2026 — A quiet revolution in classroom learning unfolded at Madras Christian College (Autonomous) as the FIDE Chess in Education Commission (CIE), in partnership with the Emmanuel Chess Centre, inaugurated the Chess in Education – Preparation of Teachers’ (PoT) Course. Held at the Blue Whale Hall, MMIP, MCC, the three-day intensive programme focused on equipping teachers—especially from the Tribal Welfare Department—with the skills to bring chess into classrooms, touching the lives of nearly 27,000 tribal children across Tamil Nadu.
The course went far beyond teaching chess moves. Over three intensive days, WIM Rita Atkins and Dr. Ebenezer Joseph guided participants on how to integrate chess into classroom learning to enhance academic skills, develop 21st-century competencies, and foster life skills in students. Through interactive sessions, demonstrations, and practical exercises, teachers explored ways to use chess as a structured educational tool that boosts cognitive abilities, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making, while making learning engaging and meaningful.
Dr. P. Wilson, Principal of MCC, welcomed the gathering with warmth, expressing his delight at seeing chess embedded into educational institutions and underscoring the transformative potential of innovative learning approaches. WIM Rita Atkins, EDU Secretary of FIDE CIE, also presented the Tamil and English editions of the FIDE Chess in Education Course Book, localizing a globally accredited curriculum for Tamil Nadu schools.
The programme received strong support from Tmt. G. Lakshmi Priya, IAS, Secretary to Government, Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, who spoke passionately about how chess can empower children from marginalized communities, enhance equity, and improve learning outcomes. Thiru S. Annadurai, C.L.S., Director of the Tribal Welfare Department, highlighted the Department’s pride in partnering with FIDE CIE and Emmanuel Chess Centre to take chess education to the grassroots, ensuring that children in remote tribal regions have access to world-class, future-ready learning opportunities.
The valedictory session on January 24 saw Dr. Veena Eswaradas emphasizing the cognitive benefits of chess, including improved analytical thinking and mental agility. Certificates were awarded to 54 participants who successfully completed the PoT Course. Dr. Ebenezer Joseph, Senior Lead Instructor, FIDE CIE; FIDE Trainer; and Candidate Master, highlighted the global standards and pedagogical rigor of the programme. Among the successful participants, 34 earned the School Instructor (SI) title from the World Chess Federation, qualifying them to bring chess-based learning directly into schools.
SI Title Qualifiers with Institutions:
Government Tribal Residential Schools / EMRS: C. Gajalakshmi; M. Thangadurai; Sivasankari; Kabildev K; Suresh D; S. Pugazhenthi; R. Chandra Somu; M. Suresh; E. Sathish Kumar; R. Nithiyanandham; Gobi S; Rajakumar D; Duraiswami P; Chandru D; Deenadhayalan V; P. Sivakumar; Madhan Kumar L; Govindhammal R; M. Gowri Rani; Gnanasakthi S; Samikkannu P; Jeevitha G; Settu T; A. Anbuchelvan.
Madras Christian College (Autonomous) alumni: Genita Gladys A; Joshua Anand Samuel; Jim Isaac; Gracelin Victoriya K; Dr. Ishvar Mohan; Dr. N. Prabhu.
Women’s Christian College alumni: Pon Margret A; Dr. M. Getzi.
Meston College of Education alumni: Aparna A; Jecinth Evlyn J.
Other participants: Dr. Emma Kalpana; Bharaneeshwaran V.
Chess sets and the DVD Winning Moves were provided to schools to support classroom implementation. This initiative marks a major step in mainstreaming Chess in Education across Tamil Nadu, empowering teachers and students with innovative, future-ready learning tools while fostering cognitive development, critical thinking, and 21st-century competencies at the grassroots level.
About the Author
Ebenezer Joseph has done Ph. D. in chess. He is India's first FIDE Trainer, Senior Lead Instructor and also holds Candidate Master in title. He has also defeated Vishy Anand three times.