Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 06 May 2025
The much-anticipated Free Chess Summer Camp 2025 for school children from Class I to VIII began on 5th May 2025, across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, bringing together students at 18 venues spread across all nine Educational Zones—from Campbell Bay in the south to Diglipur in the north. Organized by the Department of Education, the month-long camp will run until June 4, offering young learners a unique chance to dive into the world of chess through fun, interactive, and educational sessions.
The official inauguration of the camp took place at Government Senior Secondary School, Swaraj Dweep. Mr. Vikram Singh, Director (Education/Sports), Andaman and Nicobar Administration, launched the program by making the ceremonial first move on a chessboard. Speaking on the occasion, he highlighted the educational value of the game, saying, “Chess is more than just a game—it sharpens the mind, enhances concentration, and builds strategic thinking. This camp is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn, compete, and grow during their summer break.”
The response to the camp has been overwhelming, with over 640 students already enrolled. Under the guidance of Master Trainers, participants will receive interactive lessons, engage in hands-on demonstrations, and take part in mini-tournaments designed to promote critical thinking, focus, and strategic planning. The camp aims not only to teach the rules and tactics of chess but also to instill a love for the game that can benefit students academically and personally.
Sessions are being held at multiple schools across the islands. In the Sri Vijay Puram Zone, students are attending the camp at GMSSS Aberdeen and GSSS Manglutan. The Wimberlygunj Zone is hosting sessions at GMSSS Ferrargunj and GSSS Wimberlygunj. In the Rangat Zone, the venues include GSSS Oralkatcha, GSSS Kadamtala, GSSS Rangat, and GMS Billyground. The Mayabunder Zone is conducting the camp at GMSSS Mayabunder, GSSS Pahalgaon, and GSS Mohanpur-5. In Diglipur, students are gathering at GSSS Subhashgram, while GMSSS Hutbay is hosting the camp in the Little Andaman Zone. GSSS Swaraj Dweep and GSSS Shaheed Dweep are the designated venues in Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep zones respectively. In Car Nicobar, the camp is being held at GSSS Malacca, while GMS Kamorta is hosting the sessions in Nancowrie Zone. PM SHRI GSSS Campbell Bay is the venue for the Campbell Bay Zone.
The Department of Education has urged all eligible students and their parents to make the most of this enriching initiative. The camp not only aims to keep children meaningfully engaged during the summer holidays but also seeks to enhance their cognitive skills in a fun and structured way. Parents and students interested in joining are encouraged to contact their respective Zonal Officers for more information.