Chennai : Nineteen-year-old chess prodigy Pranesh M, India’s 79th Grandmaster, has shown that dreams can flourish even in the most modest surroundings. Hailing from Karaikudi in Tamil Nadu, Pranesh’s story is one of quiet perseverance and parental sacrifice — a journey that began in a small town and is now capturing global attention.
As reported by Rediff.com, Pranesh’s mother, Manjula, works as an anganwadi worker, while his father, Munirethinam, earns a living in a textile shop. Their unwavering belief in their son’s potential kept his ambitions alive even when financial hurdles loomed large. “My parents have always supported me, even when it was difficult to manage tournament expenses,” Pranesh shared in an interview with Rediff.com.
His introduction to chess came at the tender age of five, when his parents bought a board for him and his elder brother, Dinesh Rajan, who is now a FIDE Master. What started as a sibling pastime soon became a passion. Guided by Grandmaster R.B. Ramesh at Chennai’s Chess Gurukul, Pranesh honed his skills with relentless focus, often practising for seven hours a day.
A student of SRM University, where he is pursuing B.Sc. in Computer Science, Pranesh manages to balance academics and chess seamlessly. His alma mater, Sri Vidhyagiri School, also played a vital role in supporting his early career.
Pranesh’s breakthrough came in January 2023, when he became India’s 79th Grandmaster after winning the Rilton Cup in Stockholm. Since then, he has represented India in major events, including the Chess World Cup in Goa, where he reached the third round — an impressive feat for someone still in his teens.
Speaking about his goals, Pranesh told Rediff.com, “My aim now is to push my rating past 2700. I know it will take time, but I’m ready to work for it.”
With his calm demeanor, sharp tactical mind, and unwavering work ethic, Pranesh M embodies the new generation of Indian chess — one where talent meets humility and determination triumphs over adversity.
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