Kerala is a well-known Indian State and is frequently referred to as "God's Land." It is well-recognized for its gorgeous settings, lovely backwaters, and ecotourism projects. The Marottichal settlement is located in this beautiful state. Northern Kerala's Marottichal is situated in a secluded wooded environment. In the 1960s and 1970s, when alcoholism and gambling were rampant, a single seed sown by a 16-year-old lad helped save the village of Marottichal from severe alcohol addiction. American Grandmaster Bobby Fisher inspired Unnikrishnan, who was only 16 at the time, to pursue his interest in chess and start learning the many different moves. He began instructing others in the neighbourhood as his passion for the game increased. Those who followed Unnikrishnan's instructions developed an unbreakable interest in the game. The village soon became known as 'The Chess Village'.

Unnikrishnan started teaching a small group of neighbours after visiting another country and studying with a master. At the time, his neighbourhood was well-known for having addicts and illicit gamblers., However, Unni quickly discovered that customers looking to purchase alcohol frequently stopped by the area around his tea shop where he was playing chess with others, attentively observing the game and only leaving when the sky started to cloud. The knowledge that teaching chess to as many people as he could help them overcome their poor reputation as drunkards and offer a light of hope, fueled Unni's determination to do so.

He embarked on a mission with his team to teach chess to at least one person in every home (from 8-year-olds to 80-year-olds). In temples, schools, the pavement in front of his tea shop, on the roof, and anywhere else he could find, he set up chess tables. At least one individual from each house knows how to play thanks to his free instruction of more than 700 others. At first, there were many financial difficulties, but Unnikrishnan and his crew managed to raise funds to purchase game-related necessities. In 2016, they organised a massive chess tournament that attracted thousands of participants to combat the excessive spread of alcohol. For approximately 1-2 kilometres, tables and chairs had been set up alongside the road, where people were playing. Unnimaman and the Chess Village received a stamp from a location called Soloman islands. 

Unnimaman provides a wonderful illustration of how tenacity and endurance can change a culture from the inside out. Marottichal has prevented families from going bankrupt and decreased domestic violence caused by excessive alcohol usage. Now, every family will have at least one expert chess player. They have gradually ingrained the practice of playing chess, turning it into a beneficial substitute for abusing alcohol and other harmful substances.

Unni shared his story about instructing a senior citizen who had suffered a serious head injury in a car accident in the game of chess. During a few months, both this person's lifestyle and his memory started to become better. Many national and worldwide chess champions came from the hamlet. In this village, the movie "August Club" was filmed. It was odd to hear two kids talk so passionately about a 1,000-year-old board game that is deeply ingrained in India's history in a nation that is undergoing fast digitalization, fueling widespread concerns about Indian youth losing touch with their nation and culture. I said aloud, "Surely they would rather be watching television."

The prosperity of Marottichal's chess community has had a major effect on the regional economy. The town hosts chess competitions that draw participants from all across the nation, boosting the local tourism sector. Also, the chess scene has given many locals job opportunities as coaches, trainers, and support staff. Marottichal has significantly impacted the chess world despite its tiny size. In addition to producing several excellent players, its vibrant chess environment has also encouraged others to pick up the game. The town serves as an example of the strength of community support and enthusiasm for the game for other communities wishing to create their chess scenes.

Another chess legend, Anatoly Karpov, stated that chess is a sport, an art, and a science. In this instance, Chess serves as Marottichal's village's saviour and eternal helper. This chess hamlet serves as a model for gloomy and depressed communities and people. Even a small routine adjustment or addition can have a significant positive impact on our environment and our health. In conclusion, Marottichal is a remarkable example of how a small village can become a hub of chess talent. With its thriving chess community, talented players, and supportive residents, Marottichal is a testament to the power of chess to bring people together and inspire excellence.