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Newsmakers of the Week NOVEMBER 07, 2025 | The Indian Eye 33

ties, chess federations, and technology partners, promoting the study of AI in
chess, digital coaching tools, fan engagement innovations, and esports inte-
gration. It also serves as a base for Tech Mahindra’s growing global chess ini-
tiatives, including Global Chess League Season 3, set to take place in Mumbai
later this year.
Speaking about the vision behind the centre, Peeyush Dubey, Chairper-
son, Tech Mahindra Global Chess League, said, “The Experience Centre is
more than just a space; it’s a living ecosystem for the global chess community.
Our goal is to bring together players, fans, clubs, universities, and partners to
co-create the future of chess. By combining the game’s strategic depth with
Tech Mahindra’s expertise in AI and digital transformation, we’re building an
innovation hub that reflects the future of the sport.”
Since its inception, the venue has already hosted notable events such as
the Texas Women’s State Chess Championship, which brought together com-
petitors from 13 countries. It will continue to host tournaments, chess-tech
showcases, and interactive programs for enthusiasts, students, and partners.
Following the celebration, the Indian Ambassador stated that he was “deep-
ly honoured” to join President Trump and extended warm greetings on behalf of TOM SUOZZI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Indian-American community.
“Deeply honoured to join President Donald J. Trump at the White House Congressman backs different
today to celebrate Diwali. Wished him on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra
Modi a Happy Diwali and thanked him for this beautiful gesture. Warm Diwali rule on beards for Sikh soldiers
greetings to all celebrating, especially the vibrant 5-million-strong Indian diaspo-
ra in the U.S.,” the Ambassador wrote in another post on X. ashington, DC: Congress-
Trump, during the celebration, extended his warm greetings to the people
man Tom Suozzi penned a
of India and Indian-Americans. During initial remarks, the US President praised Wletter to US War Secretary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “great person” and a “great Peter Hegseth, urging reconsideration
friend”, while highlighting US-India ties in trade and regional peace. of a policy requiring military person-
“Let me extend our warmest wishes to the people of India. I just spoke to
your Prime Minister today. Had a great conversation. We talked about trade... nel to shave beards, affecting Sikh
Americans and others with religious
He’s very interested in that. Although we did talk a little while ago about let’s or medical obligations.
have no wars with Pakistan. The fact that trade was involved, I was able to talk He recently introduced the Bi-
about that. And we have no war with Pakistan and India. That was a very, very partisan Indian American Heritage
good thing,” Trump said at the event. Resolution to celebrate the rich histo-
“He’s (PM Modi) a great person, and he’s become a great friend of mine
over the years,” the US President added. ry and contributions of the Indian American community on Long Island and
across the nation.
VISWANATHAN ANAND Suozzi also wrote a letter to Secretary Hegseth raising concerns from his
constituents, including Sikh Americans, regarding beards in the military, accord-
Legend inaugurates Global Chess ing to an official statement from his office.
The resolution, led alongside Republican Congresswoman Young Kim (R-
League Experience Centre CA), acknowledges the strong people-to-people ties between the United States
and India, recognizes the accomplishments of Indian Americans and their con-
tributions to the strength of America, and condemns acts of hate, discrimination,
allas, TX: Tech Mahindra has and violence against Indian Americans and the broader South Asian communi-
launched the Global Chess ty, including those targeted for their Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Muslim, or other religious
DLeague (GCL) Experience or cultural identity.
Centre at its U.S. headquarters in Suozzi also penned a letter to Secretary Hegseth regarding the Secretary’s
Plano, Dallas. Viswanathan Anand, recent comments about members of the military being mandated to shave their
five-time World Chess Champion, beards. This policy, if implemented, would affect many Americans, including
inaugurated the centre, marking a Sikhs, who wish to serve but feel a religious obligation to maintain their beards.
significant milestone in Tech Mahin- In the letter, Suozzi writes that “While I strongly support your mission to
dra’s mission to combine technology, restore professionalism and uniformity, these remarks have raised questions
innovation, and the spirit of chess, as among otherwise highly motivated Americans whose faith or medical conditions
per a release from GCL. require the maintenance of facial hair... For Sikhs, serving one’s nation is a sacred
The GCL Experience Centre serves as a unique hub for showcasing the duty, an embodiment of the Sant-Sipahi ideal that blends faith and service. The
intersection of technology, sports, and strategy, offering fans, players, and in- Sikh religion requires adherents to maintain uncut hair and beards as a symbol
novators an immersive environment to explore how cutting-edge AI, analyt- of devotion and equality before God. Sikhs have courageously fought alongside
ics, and digital platforms are transforming the world of chess. American troops for generations, including in both World Wars.”
Located at Tech Mahindra’s Dallas headquarters, the space offers a pan- “I have a large and vibrant Indian American community in my district,”
oramic view of Plano’s skyline and features state-of-the-art facilities for tour- Suozzi said in an official statement. “This resolution helps honour the rich his-
naments, live analysis, digital chess innovations, and community engagement. tory and profound influence that generations of this community in my district,
Viswanathan Anand said, “The Global Chess League has always stood not to mention the 5.2 million Indian Americans in the US, have had throughout
for innovation and collaboration. This Experience Centre represents the next the country.”
step in making chess more engaging, interactive, and global. I’m proud to see
how Tech Mahindra is leveraging technology to expand the reach of the game To read more about Indian diaspora and Global Indians, log on to and follow
and inspire the next generation.” our website www.TheIndianEYE.com
The Experience Centre is designed to foster collaboration with universi-

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