Random Simultaneous Chess Display by GM Abhijit Kunte and WGM Swati Ghate-Teli

By Gm.Abhijit Kunte

Pune Mahanagar Unit of Vishwa Hindu Parishad in association with Buddhibal Kreeda Trust organised a Random Simultaneous Chess Display by GM Abhijit Kunte and WGM Swati Ghate-Teli on 31st May 2008 at New English School Tilak Road, Pune. This display was a part of the “Buddhi – Shakti Sangam” programme organised by VHP to mark the 125th Birth Anniversary of Swatantryaveer V. D. Savarkar. The event was sponsored by Pinnacle Group with active support from Mr. Gajendra Pawar, the Chairman of the Pinnacle Group.

The event, first of its kind in Pune, was inaugurated by Mr. Pandurangrao Raut, President, VHP, Pune in the presence of Mr. Prakash Kunte, Managing Trustee, Buddhibal Kreeda Trust. Abhijit started the play with his first move against Mr. Rahul Solapurkar, noted film personality. Swati commenced her play with her first move against Mr. Ninad Bedekar, the noted historian and Executive President of VHP, Pune. Mr. Rohan Pawar, Director of Pinnacle Group also played in the display.

Total 67 players played in the display including 2 handicapped (visually impaired) players and there were 4 drawn games whereas in 3 games the GMs had to face the defeat. The names of the victorious players are Roshan Rangarajan, Siddhart Tamhankar and Mihir Bhadkamkar. The players who could end the game in a draw with the GMs are Sarang Ponkshe, Kaushik Bhave, Vijay Biradar and Gopal Gosavi. It took about 3½ hours to complete all the games.

Mr. Sham Deshpande, Chairman of the Standing Committee of Pune Municipal Corporation, was the Chief Guest for the prizes function. Discount coupons for a house in any of the Pinnacle Group projects were awarded to Winners (2%) and those who could draw (1%). Mr. Pravin Rathi and Ms. Shobha Lokhande, the visually impaired players were honoured with special prize of Rs. 5,000 each by the Pinnacle Group.

Mr. Vijay Maral, Chief of Special Programmes – VHP, Pune, Mr. Umesh Bhosale, Chief of Media & Publicity – VHP, Pune, Mr. Jyotikumar Kulkarni, Jt. General Secretary – VHP, Pune, Mr. Ranjeet Natu, General Secretary – VHP, Pune and IWM Mrs. Mrunalini Kunte-Aurangabadkar of Buddhibal Kreeda Trust took special efforts to make the event a grand success. Mr. Rajendra Shidore, Mr. Nitin Shenavi, Ms. Sneha Ghatpande and Mr. Ranga Rajan worked as Arbiters for the event.