Kolkata: Self-analysis is important not only in sports like chess but in life as well, chess grandmaster Dibyendu Barua advised students of Vivekananda College.
Barua was on the campus as part of The Times of India’s initiative, ‘Leaders on Campus’, and delivered a speech on the theme, ‘The Psychology of WinningThe event aimed to explore the mental strategies and attitudes that contribute to success in various fields.
Barua said educational institutions should promote games and sports as an essential part of character building. “In recent times, students are inclined to mobile phones over playing chess, football, and other sports. Physical activities play a crucial role in fostering essential qualities, like leadership abilities, a sense of responsibility, and the spirit of sharing. Children tend to become distressed when denied their desired possessions; however, in sporting activities, defeats contribute to personal growth,” he said.
Making references to Viswanathan Anand, Garry Kasparov, Magnus Carlsen, and Gukesh Dommaraju, Barua said they are different in terms of strategies, but the main factors that determine the fate of a grandmaster are patience and self-confidence. “These qualities are equally important for daily life. Respect the opponent and don’t get overconfident — these are the keys to success.”
Barua’s youngest student, Anish, a chess prodigy in the city, received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar from President Draupadi Murmu. Barua said support from schools is needed to nurture young talent. He ended his speech by saying chess teaches learning from failure and acquiring self-confidence.
His talk was followed by a fireside chat with Gunjan Dhar, assistant professor of zoology. Eight students of the college interacted with Barua.