Date:12/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/12/stories/2008121257780200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

A special birthday for chess king at Vidya Sagar

Staff Reporter

Being here means a lot to me, says Viswanathan Anand

— Photo: M.KARUNAKARAN

of joy: Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand and his wife Aruna at the birthday celebrations at Vidya Sagar in Chennai on Thursday.

CHENNAI: “I’ve played against him four or five times… the experience was unbelievable, simply out of the world!” – is how Karthik Chandrashekhar describes his earlier meetings with world chess champion Viswanathan Anand.

An alumnus of voluntary organisation Vidya Sagar, Karthik was all eager to greet its brand ambassador, who celebrated his birthday at the school here on Thursday. During his earlier visits, the champ made it a point to play a game with Karthik and his friends.

Ummul Khair, also an alumna of the organisation that works with students with disabilities, welcomed the sports champ, with the message: “Hearty welcome to the undisputed king of chess.”

S. Pavithra was also waiting at the entrance, to receive the birthday boy. She gave a birthday card and wished him happy birthday, just as he entered the premises.

It was a special birthday for Mr. Anand, who along with his wife Aruna spent nearly an hour at the school.

As he cut the cake, children clapped and sang “Happy birthday, Anand…” together. One student was even holding a placard that read: “You make us proud to be Indian.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Anand said: “Vidya Sagar has a very special place in my heart. They were among the first to congratulate me after I won the world championship. Being here means a lot to me.”

Karthik, who also spoke, said: “I am so happy that Mr. Anand is here. I love him!” Teachers at Vidya Sagar said that Karthik had been instrumental in arranging the visit of the grandmaster. “I am always in touch with him through e-mail and he replies promptly,” he said.

M. Swaminathan, another old student, had a very special birthday gift for Mr. Anand.

An artiste, he had painted the chess board for the occasion.

It took all of 10 minutes for Swami to finish the painting that looked stunning in shades of green and blue. When complimented, he smiled, saying “Thank you!”