"Vanakkam Chennai", Says PM Modi At World Chess Event In Chennai

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday declared the 44th edition of Chess Olympiad open, underscoring that there are no losers in the game, just winners and future winners. PM Modi, sporting a shawl and dhoti with a chessboard design border, said the Chess Olympiad, the most prestigious tournament, is hosted by India, the home of chess at a special time in its history, which marks 75 years of freedom from colonial rule. Starting his speech with a "Vanakkam (a Tamil word for greetings)" in Chennai, the Prime Minister assured the best hospitality to players from far and wide, quoting 'Athithi Devo Bhava' slogan which means 'our guests are like God.' Also, the Prime Minister cited Tamil saint poet Tiruvalluvar's couplet on the significance of hospitality.