Rai Sahab Council

SOCIAL INITIATIVEs

SOCIAL INITIATIVEs

The Rai Sahab Council for Sports & Education believes that Sports and Education can make a difference in the lives of those in different social classes. By bridging the gap between social classes and creating opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds, the Council believes that Sports can help to create a better world. The Council has created initiatives that use Chess as a way to provide tools to develop educational growth, personal growth, discipline, critical thinking skills, emotional resilience, and focus. These initiatives provide children and adults with tools to enhance their lives through a skill-based opportunity that contributes to building connections and social relationships. As we continue to live in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world, more and more children and adults are experiencing the effects of becoming increasingly reliant upon their devices. The Council’s social initiatives provide opportunities to create positive skill-based experiences that are beneficial for mental health and the building of positive social connections.

Ongoing Programs

The Chess in Schools Project is our primary social initiative which was launched in October,2024. The purpose of this initiative is to integrate chess as part of educational systems in schools. It is a free service so all students can have the same opportunity to receive quality chess training regardless of their socioeconomic background.

Program Goals

To use chess as an educational tool for cognitive development

To reduce digital addictive behaviours in child students

To facilitate the development of problem-solving, strategic thinking and decision-making skills in children

To instil discipline, patience and sportsmanship in children from an early age.

Program Impact

The Chess in Schools Project has made significant progress since its launch:
The increased amount of expenditures demonstrates the Council’s strong commitment to delivering quality education, developing infrastructure, employing certified instructors and providing long-term benefits rather than just short-term financial success.

How does the Program Work?

The program is delivered through:
By promoting chess in school environments, we enable students to develop life skills that are beneficial in and beyond Chess across their entire lives.

Future Programs

In addition to the extraordinary success of Chess in School, the Rai Sahab Council is looking to remove barriers and expand the various social outreach efforts they have developed through specific programs tailored for all segments of society.

Chess for Persons with Disabilities

This program is designed specifically for persons with physical disabilities to provide them with a customized training program in chess. Chess provides an equal opportunity for all individuals based on their intellect and ability to strategize rather than their physical strength, which gives individuals confidence and independence.

Chess for Autistic Children

There have been several documented benefits for children on the Autism spectrum from learning chess, including improved attention span, better control over their emotions, and greater structure in thought processes. The Chess for Autistic Children program will deliver instructional techniques that are specifically developed for this demographic and provided by experienced professionals to promote cognitive and emotional growth.

Chess in Prison

The Chess in Prison program aims to provide inmates with a meaningful path toward rehabilitation and personal growth through the strategic game of chess. This interactive, project-based initiative uses structured chess modules to teach essential life skills such as patience, self-discipline, critical thinking, and decision-making.
By dedicating time to learning and practicing chess, inmates develop forward thinking, emotional control, and problem-solving abilities. Chess becomes more than a game—it serves as a powerful tool for behavioral transformation, helping improve mental well-being, build self-confidence, and encourage positive life choices beyond prison walls.

Chess for Senior Citizens

This program is designed to help seniors develop mental agility and social interaction, as well as overall emotional well-being. Chess can help to maintain their cognitive function and provide a sense of community and purpose in their lives.
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