In our country it has been very clearly accepted that whenever human race has ushered in the era of knowledge, it is India that has taken the lead. 21st century is the century of knowledge, and chess in the world of knowledge is a game of great patience, it is a ‘war of nerves’..! Concentration required in the game of chess is much more as compared to that required in the yogic world. And in a way, to come out as a winner in the war of nerves is the greatest strength and those who are victorious in the war of nerves, can never lose a war fought physically. They get this strength automatically. Chess offers that kind of power. Entire world is talking about the phase of frustration that the new generation is going through. Psychologically it is being discussed that new generation has no place to release the anger within them, has no place to express the grievances they have and when they can’t find a way out, sometimes the youth tends to the path of suicide. Paper was not good or some problem occurs in exams and they feel like committing suicide, at times parents scold them and they feel like committing suicide, sometimes teachers in school said something and they feel like committing suicide. However one who plays chess, no matter how many problems come his way, he has the capacity to face them very easily, he never loses his mental balance, he does not lose his patience and never indulges in such sins, this is the power of this game…!
We have used the word, ‘Shat-ranj’. The word ‘Shatranj’ has been devised with great wisdom. ‘Ranj’ means the frustrations in one’s mind, one which removes 100 (Shat) types of frustrations (Ranj) that is ‘Shatranj’. This is the power of chess, and thus, more than deafeating the opponent, this game offers the power to win one’s own self. This is the only game where man keeps conquering his own self. If there is a game which helps one get victory over his own self, it is chess. And so, it is the attempt of the Gujarat Govt. to promote this game such that it becomes a part of every family, it becomes a part of one’s life, it becomes a part of school syllabus and it becomes a game which shows the path to liberation.
Kasparov from Russia who always plays against our Anand at ‘Grandmaster’ and achieves the honor of defeat against him, hails from a state that follows the tradition of Buddha and since past 700 years chess has been made compulsory at schools by the state administration. Every family in that state due to Buddhist tradition plays chess and even today whoever from Russia has come into this game has come from that particular state. And in whole of Russia, the lowest crime rate is in this state where chess is compulsory, this is the power of chess. Brothers and Sisters, in order to change the life in Gujarat we are trying to use chess as a tool to connect the lives of people. And in this direction, participation of you people in such a manner depicts a new wave of joy and enthusiasm.
Brothers and Sisters, among the children who have come here, some are from 5th std., some are from 6th std., some are from 7th, some are from 8th, and some are from 9th. They are little kids from school. These children do not have voting rights today nor do they have a right to participate in elections. People advise me “Modiji, this is the election year, elections are coming up in next 2-3 months, please concentrate on voters..!” Brothers and Sisters, to me Gujarat is important, these small children may not be voters, but they are the future of Gujarat and therefore it is the priority for the Government to bond with them.
These days I watch two types of TV news. Whether you watch TV or read newspaper, stories about corruption going on in Delhi keeps getting relayed. Everyday a new corruption story comes. A question may be arising in the minds of this youth that what is this going on..? On the other hand, some people give advertisements, games are being played with money. They give advertisements like, ‘Change the direction, Condition will change’..! I would like to tell them, I would like to tell my media friends that just look at this scene, more than 4000 girls are earning honor for India in the whole world, they are making a world record. Mr. Prime Minister, if you follow this direction of Gujarat, the condition of the country will also change. Follow the direction of Gujarat and I assure you, the condition of the country will change..! You are in the wrong direction and that is why the condition of this country is constantly deteriorating. My young Brothers and Sisters, whether or not you have the right to vote, but I assure you that when you grow up, we shall hand you such a Gujarat that you shall be proud of. We want to give you such a Gujarat that fulfills all your dreams in life, our willing effort is in this direction. We are working with a dream of a building a vibrant and most capable Gujarat. This ‘Mahatma Mandir’ where you are sitting, is built by the workers of our own country. They have built it in 182 days, yes, within hundred and eighty two days, hardly 6 months..! This is the strength of our country. And Gujarat successfully kindles this strength.
I once again congratulate you all, my applause is for you. I congratulate dear Dhyani for making yet another record today. She has been breaking her own records every time. Today she made a new record by breaking her own old record. I am very thankful to Viswanathan Anand for his presence on this occasion today and appreciate his continuous support in Gujarat’s struggle and effort to to do something significant in the world of chess. I express my special gratitude towards respected Advaniji, who inspite of Parliament being in session and hot exchanges happening in Delhi, has come here, has participated in this world glorious event and has blessed us, I am immensely grateful to him…!
Bharat Mata ki Jai…!! Say it with full strength Friends, with closed fists and raised hands,
Bharat Mata ki Jai…!! Bharat Mata ki Jai…!! Bharat Mata ki Jai…!! Bharat Mata ki Jai…!!
