PRODDATUR: The children’s book The Story of Giraffe Chess, authored by Dr. Bhagya Shree Nadamala, was unveiled in Proddatur by Sri D. K. Chaduvula Babu, recipient of the 2023 Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award. The event also featured a Giraffe Chess storytelling competition for schoolchildren. It brought together educators, chess enthusiasts, coaches and community members to celebrate children’s literature, creativity and learning.
The programme combined a book launch with an opportunity for children to express themselves through storytelling. It also highlighted the potential of using literature to introduce young readers to chess and encourage interest in creative learning.
Award-Winning Literary Figure Praises the Book
Following the unveiling, Sri Chaduvula Babu appreciated the book’s sports theme and moral message. He observed that the author had incorporated chess pieces into the narrative through simple dialogue, making the story accessible to young readers.
He also noted that the book could be useful for schoolteachers conducting storytelling sessions and organising similar competitions. According to his remarks, the publication serves two purposes: entertaining children through an engaging story and introducing them to chess through reading and narration.
The recognition highlighted the importance of children’s books that combine storytelling with educational themes and encourage young readers to explore new interests.
Author Focuses on Child-Friendly Storytelling
Dr. Bhagya Shree Nadamala, Assistant Professor of English at Vignan University and the author of the book, explained that she had focused on simple language and a fantasy-based narrative to make the story suitable for children.
The book introduces readers to Giraffe Chess, described during the event as a chess variant played on a 68-square board. Through its fictional storyline, the publication aims to help children enjoy reading while becoming familiar with the game and its rules.
Dr. Nadamala holds an M.A. in English and a PhD from IIT Patna. She was also described by the publisher as an English gold medalist. Her work brings together creative writing, children’s education and an introduction to an alternative chess format.
By presenting the game through a story, the book seeks to make learning more engaging for young readers and encourage them to explore chess beyond its conventional format.
Publisher Highlights Learning Through Giraffe Chess
Smt. Nare Sailaja, the book’s publisher and Director of the International Giraffe Chess Federation (IGCF), said the publication had been developed with young readers in mind.
She expressed hope that children would use the book to learn about Giraffe Chess and understand how the game is played on its 68-square board. She also thanked Dr. Nadamala for accepting the invitation to write the story.
The launch highlighted how children’s publishing can make unfamiliar games more approachable through storytelling. By combining a fictional narrative with an introduction to the game, the book offers an additional way to spark children’s curiosity about chess and its rules.
Schoolchildren Recognised in Storytelling Competition
The Giraffe Chess storytelling competition gave schoolchildren a platform to demonstrate their narration skills and confidence in front of an audience. Participants presented their stories, showcasing their ability to communicate ideas and engage listeners.
The organisers announced K. Daval Kumar as the winner, K. Mahi Reddy as the runner-up, and Maniswini as the third-place winner.
Pratap Reddy, Secretary of Dhara Apartment, presented trophies to the participants and appreciated their active involvement in the competition.
The event encouraged children to interpret stories in their own way, develop public-speaking skills and participate in a creative learning activity. It also added an interactive dimension to the book launch by allowing young participants to engage directly with storytelling.
Educators and Chess Community Attend
The programme was attended by Dr. Priyanka Tripathi of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Patna; Dr. G. Mohana Charyulu, Professor in the English Department at Vignan University, Guntur; and Prof. A. Sharada, Dean of International Students. They congratulated Dr. Nadamala on her book.
Giraffe Chess players from across Proddatur also participated in the event. Coaches N. Nagarjuna and P. Aravind were among those present.
The gathering reflected the involvement of the education and chess communities in promoting activities that connect reading, storytelling and games. Their participation also highlighted the role of educators and local groups in creating opportunities for children to develop their interests and communication skills.
Promoting Reading, Values and Creative Learning
The unveiling of The Story of Giraffe Chess and the accompanying storytelling competition highlighted the importance of encouraging children to read, communicate and learn through creative activities.
The book brings together imagination, moral themes and an introduction to a chess variant in a format designed for young readers. Meanwhile, the competition provided children with an opportunity to practise narration and express themselves in a supportive setting.
The Proddatur event brought literature, education and chess enthusiasts together with a shared focus on making learning engaging for children. By combining a book launch with a storytelling competition, the programme demonstrated how stories and interactive activities can help nurture curiosity, creativity and confidence among young learners.