Assam youth chess non-profit expands “From Screens to Squares” campaign
Pawns to Kings, a youth-led non-profit from Assam, expanded its “From Screens to Squares” campaign to promote balanced screen use and chess-based learning for児.
Pawns to Kings, a youth-led non-profit founded by teenage chess champions Vihaan Upadhyay and Viraj Upadhyay, has announced the expansion of its “From Screens to Squares” campaign. The group unveiled the expanded plan on International Chess Day at the Mahabahu Brahmaputra River Heritage Centre in Guwahati.
The event was attended by officials from Assam’s administration. Pallav Gopal Jha, IAS, Secretary to the Government of Assam’s Social Justice and Empowerment Department, was the chief guest. Oinam Sarankumar Singh, IAS, Secretary to the Water Resources Department, and Aayush Garg, IAS, Mission Director of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, were also present as guests of honour.
Chess and screen balance for children
Pawns to Kings says the campaign encourages children to move beyond passive screen use and take part in activities that support critical thinking and real-world engagement. The group also clarified that it is not trying to discourage technology. Instead, it promotes responsible and balanced use of digital devices.
According to the organisation, over the past two years it has run chess workshops, school engagement programmes, tournaments, and community outreach. These activities have reached children in orphanages, rehabilitation centres, and flood shelters across Assam.
Training book and new partnerships
A key feature of the International Chess Day programme was the launch of the Pawns to Kings Chess Training Book for Children. The comic-style resource is designed to make chess easier for young learners, with illustrations and storytelling that introduce chess pieces and lessons. The book is supported by animated video lessons and learning materials available in English, Hindi, Assamese and other regional languages.
The group also announced a collaboration with The Mynd Foundation to expand the campaign across Assam. The partnership aims to reach nearly 200 schools through awareness programmes, workshops, and chess-learning sessions. It further plans to extend outreach to Manipur, especially among children in rehabilitation and relief centres where education and daily routines have been disrupted.
