Chess and Our Leaders

Lessons learned from chess

- Shri TS Karthik

A few days ago, I visited my cousin brother's home and saw a photo on the wall where he got a prize from chess wizard Viswanathan Anand. This made me reflect on the ancient game of chess and the human mind.

Chess is a game of strategy, intellect, and foresight. It requires careful planning, quick thinking, and the ability to anticipate and counter your opponent's moves. And so is politics. Interestingly, both involve complex manoeuvres, calculated risks and the need for strategic thinking. As India's Mahatyohar - Lok Sabha Elections-2024 started, I wondered how our Netas - leaders, would use ideas from chess.

Thinking ahead:

It is said that a good leader has a microscope in one eye and a telescope in the other. Though he has long-term vision, he is abreast of current market realities, just like a chess player who focuses on the present move but anticipates the consequences of his current decision twenty moves later and plans accordingly.