In the 1960s and 70s, Marottichal, a small village in Kerala’s Thrissur district, was trapped in a cycle of alcoholism and gambling.
Illicit liquor dens thrived, leading to family breakdowns, poverty, and social unrest. Residents were desperate for a way out, but the addiction was deeply ingrained.
C Unnikrishnan, a humble tea shop owner. He had spent some time in Bangalore, where he picked up a new passion – chess.
Returning to his village, he saw the devastation alcohol had caused. Instead of just selling tea, he made it his mission to change Marottichal.
Unnikrishnan started playing chess at his tea shop, hoping to attract curious onlookers. He invited customers to try a game, explaining its strategies.
Soon, the game became a distraction from drinking, giving villagers something else to engage their minds.
As Unnikrishnan’s chess movement gained traction, villagers also took strong action against alcoholism.
They demanded raids on illicit liquor operations. Authorities responded, shutting down the illegal businesses. With alcohol removed, chess became the new addiction.
The game spread like wildfire! From children to elderly farmers, almost everyone in the village picked up chess. People gathered in homes, tea shops, and public places, challenging each other in matches instead of wasting time drinking.
Within a few years, over 90% of the village knew how to play chess! They even started dreaming of competing at higher levels.
Marottichal earned the title of "India’s Chess Village," a unique identity born from transformation.
Seeing the impact, Unnikrishnan took up formal coaching. His tea shop became a chess hub, where he continued to train locals for free.
The Malayalam film "August Club" was inspired by this village’s love for chess. International media outlets have covered this transformation, making Marottichal a symbol of how a simple game can change lives.
From a struggling village drowning in alcohol to a thriving community of chess lovers, Marottichal stands as proof that change is possible.
One tea seller’s vision reshaped an entire village. And today, his mission continues through every game played in Marottichal.