Empowering Young Minds Through Chess
For the Children. By the Children. A youth-led movement using chess as a tool to transform lives across Assam.
About Us
Pawns to Kings is a non-profit initiative founded by two young Indian chess prodigies from Assam — Vihaan Upadhyay (14yrs) and Viraj Upadhyay (12yrs) — both FIDE-certified Arena FIDE Masters.
With guidance from senior family members, an International Grandmaster, and two International Masters from Serbia and West Bengal, the organization is dedicated to empowering vulnerable children through the life-changing game of chess.
We believe that every child, regardless of their background, deserves access to structured play, purpose, and possibility. We are proud to be an initiative for the children, by the children.
Our Mission
• Introduce chess as a tool for emotional and intellectual growth among vulnerable children.
• Reach children in child care institutions, flood relief shelters, rehabilitation centres, and juvenile observation homes.
• Create opportunities for personal excellence, life skills, and confidence building through structured chess education.
• Build a sustainable youth-led model of mentorship, learning, and community outreach.
Our Vision
To empower underprivileged children through chess by fostering cognitive development, emotional resilience, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills.
Our Initiatives
UJJIBON (Revival)
Target Group: Children in orphanages, juvenile centers, rehab facilities, and observation homes.
This initiative uses chess to build resilience, confidence, and focus among children who have been affected by trauma, conflict with law, or social exclusion. Workshops are conducted in a safe, engaging, and empowering environment.
Project CHILD (Chess for Hope, Inclusivity and Life Skills Development)
Target Group: Children in flood-affected, disaster-prone areas.
This program brings chess-based workshops to Community Facilitation Resource Centres (CFRCs) and relief shelters. Designed as a psychosocial tool, Project CHILD helps children displaced by floods cope, connect, and rebuild their sense of normalcy.
Become A Volunteer
Are you a chess lover, mentor, or someone who wants to make a difference? Join our team of volunteers to teach, support, and grow with us.
• Chess Trainers & Students
• College Volunteers
• Psychosocial Support Partners
Donate
Every move you make can change a life. Support us in bringing chess to every child who needs a reason to rise. Your donation helps us buy chess sets, train volunteers, and conduct workshops across Assam.
Photo Gallery
International Chess Day Celebration
Pawns to Kings celebrated International Chess Day by uniting children through learning, laughter, and checkmates — while turning every move online into a gift of chess for those in need.
Past Events
Pamohi De-addiction Centre Workshop in Guwahati
Pawns to Kings conducted a chess workshop at Pamohi De-addiction Centre in Guwahati, using the power of chess to help individuals battling addiction develop focus, self-control, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Snehabandhan Orphanage Workshop
Pawns to Kings conducted a heartwarming chess workshop at Snehabandhan Orphanage, empowering children through the game to build confidence, concentration, and a sense of belonging.
Juvenile Centre Workshop in Silchar
Pawns to Kings organized chess workshops for children in orphanages, juvenile centers, rehab facilities, and observation homes — fostering resilience, confidence, and focus through the game, and providing a safe, empowering space for healing and growth.
Project CHILD – CFRC Silchar
Pawns to Kings launched Project CHILD, bringing chess-based workshops to children in flood-affected and disaster-prone areas — using the game as a psychosocial tool to help them cope, connect, and restore a sense of normalcy amid disruption.
News and Updates
International Chess Day 2025
Date: 20th July 2025 Venue: South Point School, Guwahati