Amidst the hype and euphoria created by the IPL,an unassuming gentleman by the name Vishwanathan Anand has won the Chess Oscar for the fifth time.I would have almost missed the news displayed in a small corner in the prestigious "Hindu" paper.The Chess oscar is the most coveted trophy awarded for excellence in Chess based on the previous years performance.It is voted by an eminent team of Chess experts and journalists from around the chess playing world.Anand has won it for the fifth time since winning it for the first time in 1997.Five Oscars in 10 years which means every alternative year he has been grasping the pristine piece of wood.

For all his acievements on the 64 square board,Anand's gentle mannerisms are lessons in public appearance.An epitome of humility which he personifies Anand's gait betrays the hunger of a lion waiting to devour its prey once he takes position across the chequered board.He has put to sword the best in the business and has seen some good times against giants like Kasparov and Karpov.Anand who learnt the first moves with the love and affection of his mother when barely five startled chess players and avid enthusiasts at the Tal chess club in Chennai with the speed of his play.Sobriqueted "lightning kid" he proved his prowress in the international arena when he won the World junior title at Manila in 1987.Becoming the country's first GM Anand did not rest on his fledgling laurels.Transcending middle class thinking his visions journeyed beyond traditional Indian mindset and took him beyond the boundaries to master new frontiers.His persistence,courage and determination paid rich dividends as he won elite tournaments against tough opponents.He made the right decision of making Spain his second home and has since lived there while panning the world for tournaments and victories.

His visits to India are always eagerly awaited by the ardent chess lover who cannot wait to see the cherubic smile of his revolutionary idol.Anand seldom dissapoints them lending his ears to their thoughts and offering pearls of wisdom for their career.From Krishnan Sasikiran till the latest sensation Parimarjan negi... Anand has revolutionised an entire generation of chess players into becoming world beaters.Single handed and Single minded his pursuits on the board has given the country something to rave and rant about other than cricket offcourse.Twice he has been crowned world champion and his tryst with destiny continues to keep all of us hooked.

In this country where Film stars and Cricket stars are born overnight,idolised and immortalised,Anand stands like a light house sporting a beacon of light which has guided hundreds of eager minds to take up Chess as a career.By the time he finishes his career I have  no doubt that the Bharat Ratna will sit lightly on his shoulders if it were awarded to this genius.

Take a bow Anand on behalf of an entire nation.....Enjoy the celebration ....we have no doubt that the stars would have danced at your birth.