NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Sunday announced the assembly poll dates for 4 states and one union territory, while detailing several special provisions aimed at improving voter access, monitoring the poll process and strengthening transparency.The EC announced the schedule for assembly elections in — West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Kerala — along with the Union Territory of Puducherry.Polling will take place between April 9 and April 29, while results for all five assemblies are set to be declared on May 4. Polling across the five regions will be staggered between April 9 and April 29. Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will vote on April 9; Tamil Nadu will go to the polls on April 23; while West Bengal will vote in two phases on April 23 and April 29.

The Election Commission of India also highlighted the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls undertaken ahead of the polls, particularly in West Bengal. According to the Commission, the exercise was carried out to improve the accuracy of voter lists by removing duplicate, shifted and ineligible entries and ensuring that only eligible electors remain on the rolls. The Commission said the revision involved door-to-door verification and scrutiny of electoral records by booth-level officers. Officials maintained that the process was aimed at strengthening the integrity of the electoral roll and enhancing transparency in the polling process, according to the EC. Further explaining the process and planning for the polls, the Commission said steps have been taken to expand polling infrastructure and ensure better facilities for voters. “It has been decided that there shall be a maximum of 1200 electors in a polling station,” the Commission noted, adding that additional polling stations or auxiliary booths may be created where voter strength exceeds this limit. To improve voter convenience, the Commission has also directed authorities to provide basic facilities at every booth. “Every Polling Station shall have accessible road in good condition leading to polling station building and is equipped with Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) like drinking water, waiting shed, toilet with water facility, adequate arrangements for lighting, ramp of proper gradient for the PwD electors and a standard voting compartment.” Special focus has been placed on accessibility for elderly voters and persons with disabilities. The Commission has instructed that polling stations be located on the ground floor or at road level wherever possible, with ramps and wheelchairs provided to facilitate easier voting for senior citizens and differently abled electors. The EC also emphasised strict monitoring of the election process, stating that key events such as nominations, polling and counting will be recorded. “All critical events will be video-graphed,” the Commission said, adding that CCTV cameras and webcasting will be used at polling stations and monitoring points. Additionally, the Model Code of Conduct has come into effect immediately after the announcement of the schedule, applying to political parties, candidates and governments in the poll-bound states. The Commission clarified that “the Model Code of Conduct shall also be applicable to the Central Government so far as announcements/policy decisions pertaining to/for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry are concerned.” It added that extensive arrangements have been made to ensure strict enforcement of the code, warning that “any violation of these Guidelines would be dealt with strictly.” Authorities in the concerned states and Union Territory have also been directed to ensure there is no misuse of official machinery during the MCC period, while election officials have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance, particularly in the first and last 72 hours surrounding the polling process.

PM Modi with Om Birla (PTI image)

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wrote a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla praising him for his composure, impartiality and leadership after a no-confidence motion against him was defeated in the House. PM Modi also lauded him for upholding parliamentary decorum and ensuring the dignity of democratic institutions.In the letter, PM Modi wrote, “The no-confidence motion brought against you in the Lok Sabha has been rejected by the House. Just as the House clearly rejected this political act, I also congratulate the members of the House for this. After the motion was defeated, I carefully listened to the statement you made in the House. The balance, patience, and clarity with which you referred to parliamentary history, the responsibilities of the Speaker, and the supremacy of rules is highly impressive. I commend you for this.”

PM Modi further praised the Speaker for safeguarding democratic norms, emphasizing that “no one in this House is above the rules”. “The responsibility of the Lok Sabha Speaker is not just to conduct proceedings but also to safeguard democratic traditions, rules, and the institutional dignity. Your clear statement that no one in this House is above the rules is a message that reaffirms the core spirit of our democracy,” PM Modi wrote.PM Modi also acknowledged that democratic institutions often face challenges when new voices emerge and said Birla had consistently broadened the spirit of democracy by ensuring equal opportunities for all members, especially young and new MPs. Modi wrote, “The manner in which you have discharged your duties even amid difficult circumstances is truly inspiring.”

‘Heartfelt thanks for your inspiring words’: Om Birla responds to PM Modi’s letter

Om Birla responding to PM Modi’s letter thanked him for his words of courage and said that the message reflected his deep faith in parliamentary rules, traditions and democratic values.Sharing the letter in a post on X, he wrote: “I have received your letter. You have always held an unwavering faith in the rules, procedures, and traditions of India’s parliamentary democracy. Your letter expresses those highest ethical values of public service that you have lived by throughout your long public life; both in your current role as Prime Minister of India and previously as Chief Minister of Gujarat.” Birla further expressed his thanks to PM Modi for his inspiring words. “This message of yours, transcending the boundaries of party lines, will inspire all elected representatives in Parliament, state legislatures, and local bodies, and will further strengthen the robust ethical foundation of the democracy established by our freedom fighters and the members of the Constituent Assembly. Heartfelt thanks for your inspiring words,” he wrote.The no-confidence motion, backed by 118 opposition MPs, was moved against Birla over allegations of partiality. The proceedings against him witnessed nearly 12 hours of intense debate over two days. With Speaker Birla absent during the discussion, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, who presided over the House, announced that the motion had been rejected through a voice vote amid protests and sloganeering from opposition members demanding an apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.Returning to the Chair on Thursday after the motion was defeated, Birla addressed the House.“This House represents the sovereign will of 1.4 billion citizens of India. Every member comes with the mandate of lakhs of citizens and carries the hope of addressing their problems, deprivations, and aspirations,” he said. Birla emphasized that he had always sought to conduct proceedings with impartiality, discipline and balance, providing opportunities to all members while preserving the dignity of the House.

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed on Sunday confirmed his retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing an end to a long international career in which he led the side to memorable triumphs against arch-rivals India national cricket team in two major ICC tournament finals.The wicketkeeper-batter, who last represented the Pakistan national cricket team in a Test against the Australia national cricket team in Perth in December 2023, announced his decision through a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

According to sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the formal announcement could now allow Sarfaraz to be appointed as the head coach of the national Test team on a long-term basis.The red-ball coaching role has remained unfilled since the board decided not to continue with Azhar Mahmood, who had been serving as the interim head coach of the Test team last year.Sarfaraz, who will turn 39 in May, has already been given several responsibilities within Pakistan’s cricket structure. Recently, he was named as a member of the national selection committee and also appointed mentor and manager for the Pakistan Under-19 and Shaheens squads.Despite nearing the end of his career, the Karachi-born cricketer had continued playing domestic cricket and featured in a first-class match as recently as October last year. However, in his statement, he said he now intends to dedicate his time to his administrative and mentoring duties.“I could never have dreamt of captaining Pakistan in all three formats and winning the ICC U-19 World Cup in 2006 and the 2017 Champions Trophy… they are unforgettable moments for me,” he said.Sarfaraz added that throughout his career he had aimed to encourage fearless cricket while also fostering strong unity within the team environment.During his international journey, the wicketkeeper-batter represented Pakistan in 54 Tests, 117 One-Day Internationals and 61 T20 Internationals. He also captained the national side in 100 matches across the three formats.

NEW DELHI: Three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have revealed their new jersey ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, with the design built around the theme of Lines of Legacy.The concept draws inspiration from several defining moments that have shaped the franchise’s journey over the years. From the unforgettable opening night of the IPL in 2008 when Brendon McCullum smashed an unbeaten 158, to Rinku Singh’s dramatic five sixes in the final over, KKR have produced numerous moments that are now part of IPL folklore.

Each of these iconic memories is represented as a line in the franchise’s glittering story. When these lines come together, they form the initials (K) (K) (R) through a style of abstract linear art.“This season, those lines are not just remembered – they are woven into the jersey itself, allowing fans to wear a piece of the team’s story,” KKR said in a statement.Speaking on the jersey reveal, Venky Mysore, Chief Executive Officer, Knight Riders Sports, said, “The Lines of Legacy captures the essence of KKR’s storied history and celebrates the journey of the team over the years. Each line represents a pivotal moment of brilliance, reflecting the energy and spirit that weaves together to form our identity. We are proud of this legacy that we have built and want to carry it into the upcoming season while creating more memories for our fans to cherish.”According to the first 20-match schedule released by the BCCI, Kolkata Knight Riders will begin their campaign with an away fixture against five-time champions Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29.Their first home match will be against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 2. Eden Gardens is expected to turn purple as fans arrive in large numbers wearing their team jerseys to cheer for the side.The team’s third match will be against the 2025 IPL runners-up Punjab Kings at the same venue on April 6. KKR will then play their third consecutive home game against Lucknow Super Giants on April 9.KKR also bolstered their squad during the IPL 2026 auction, securing marquee names such as Cameron Green, Matheesha Pathirana and Finn Allen, while bringing in West Indies all-rounder Rovman Powell to fill the gap left by Andre Russell.

Pakistan’s early exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has triggered another controversy within the country’s cricket setup. Senior players, including Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, have come under scrutiny after Pakistan selector Aaqib Javed questioned whether the players carried injuries during the tournament without proper disclosure.

Pakistan’s campaign ended in disappointment after they failed to progress beyond the Super 8 stage, continuing a worrying trend of underwhelming performances in recent ICC tournaments. With criticism mounting over team selection and player performances, fresh questions have now been raised about fitness management within the squad.

Aaqib Javed demands clarity over players’ fitness

Speaking at a press conference, Javed expressed concern over the fitness status of several players during the T20 World Cup. The former Pakistan fast bowler revealed that after returning from the tournament, it was discovered that Babar had been dealing with an injury that now prevents him from participating in domestic competitions.

Javed said the selectors were unaware of the injury issues during the World Cup and have now requested the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to investigate the matter. According to him, it is worrying that players like Babar and Fakhar were reportedly unfit while still being part of the national squad during such a crucial tournament.

He emphasized that the team management, including the head coach and medical staff, are responsible for monitoring player fitness during international events. Javed questioned why the selectors were not informed earlier if key players were struggling physically during the competition.

“Babar Azam is not fit to play. Fakhar Zaman is not fit to play. Salman Mirza is not fit to play. We are requesting the PCB to conduct an inquiry. How is it possible that both Fakhar and Babar were unfit? After the World Cup, we have learned about their injuries. So, does that mean that during the T20 World Cup their fitness was not being monitored? Were they not fully fit despite being part of the squad? We selectors should be aware of this, but when the players go for the World Cup, their health issues and injury concerns should be looked after by the head coach and the physio. We should have been informed,” said Javed in a presser.

Also READ: BAN vs PAK: Mohammad Kaif shares his verdict on Salman Agha’s controversial run-out

Javed explains reason behind the absence of Babar from Bangladesh series

After Pakistan returned from the tournament, medical staff examined Babar and confirmed that his injury would prevent him from participating in upcoming domestic competitions, including the ongoing National T20 Championship and Pakistan’s series against Bangladesh.

According to Javed, the star batter was eager to play but has been advised against doing so due to the injury. This revelation has further intensified debate around Pakistan’s preparation and player management during the World Cup. The situation has raised concerns about whether injured players were risked during the global event, potentially affecting their performance and Pakistan’s overall campaign.

“When he came back from Sri Lanka, our doctors examined him (Babar Azam). His injury is preventing him from playing this series (vs Bangladesh) and the National T20. He wanted to play, but the injury is not allowing him to do so,” added Javed.

Also READ: ICC punish Salman Agha for his furious reaction after the controversial run-out in BAN vs PAK 2nd ODI

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Sunday announced the schedule for the 2026 Puducherry Assembly election, with polling to be held in a single phase on April 9 and counting of votes on May 4. Voting will take place for all 30 constituencies of the 16th Puducherry Legislative Assembly.Chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, addressing a press conference, said elections across the four states and one Union Territory must be conducted in a free, fair and violence-free manner. He said the Election Commission would take strong action against any attempt at violence or inducement and ensure greater transparency in the counting process and announcement of results.

Puducherry Election 2026: Key dates

For Puducherry, the election will be held in one phase on April 9, while the result will be declared on May 4. The Union Territory goes to the polls along with Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.The EC has announced voting for all 30 Assembly seats in Puducherry, where nearly 9.44 lakh voters are eligible to cast their ballots.

Puducherry voters and polling stations

According to data shared by the Election Commission, Puducherry has around 4.43 lakh male voters, 5 lakh female voters and 139 third-gender electors, taking the total electorate to about 9.44 lakh.Among them, the Union Territory has 54 centenarian voters, 6,034 voters aged 85 and above, and 12,204 persons with disabilities (PwD). It also has 23,033 first-time voters aged 18 to 19, around 1.87 lakh voters in the 20–29 age group, and 328 service electors.Polling will be held across 1,099 polling stations, of which 610 are in urban areas and 489 in rural areas. The EC said the average number of electors per polling station in Puducherry is 859, which falls within the 750–900 range across the five poll-bound regions.

The Commission also said Puducherry will have 30 model polling stations, 60 women-managed polling stations, and four PwD-managed polling stations. Importantly, 100 per cent webcasting will be in place at polling stations.

What the Election Commission said

CEC Gyanesh Kumar said a total of 17.4 crore voters are eligible to vote in elections to five assemblies with 824 constituencies. Across the four states and one Union Territory, polling will be conducted at around 2.19 lakh polling stations, with nearly 25 lakh election officials deployed.Kumar said the number of total voters across the five poll-bound regions is equivalent to the population of countries such as Australia, France, South Africa, Germany and Canada. He also said pure electoral rolls are the bedrock of democracy and stressed that no eligible voter should be left out, while no ineligible voter should be included.The CEC added that representatives of election bodies from 20 countries will visit the poll-bound states to observe India’s electoral process, which he described as the “Festival of Democracy”.

What happened in the 2021 Puducherry election?

The last Assembly election in Puducherry was held in 2021, when the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a simple majority. N Rangaswamy of the All India NR Congress (AINRC) was sworn in as chief minister for the fourth time.In that election, the NDA won 16 seats with a 44.2 per cent vote share, while the UPA won eight seats.Party-wise, AINRC emerged as the largest party with 10 seats and a 26.2 per cent vote share. The DMK won six seats with 18.8 per cent vote share, while the BJP also won six seats with 13.8 per cent vote share. The Congress won two seats with 15.9 per cent vote share.

NDA’s 2026 seat-sharing plan

Ahead of the 2026 election, the AINRC-BJP alliance has already finalised its seat-sharing arrangement. Under the formula, AINRC will contest 16 seats, while the BJP-led combine will contest 14 seats.The alliance has said it is also in talks with the AIADMK. In the previous election, five seats had been allotted to the AIADMK from the BJP’s quota.

Puducherry Election 2026 result date

The Puducherry Assembly Election 2026 result will be declared on May 4, when counting is taken up along with the other four state elections.

Developments in the ongoing Middle East conflict and the movement in crude oil prices will be the key drivers for Indian equity markets this week, analysts said, with investors also closely tracking the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision, inflation data and foreign fund flows after a bruising selloff in Dalal Street.Market participants are bracing for another volatile week after Indian benchmarks logged steep losses amid rising oil prices, a weakening rupee and persistent foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows linked to the widening US-Israel-Iran conflict.“This week is packed with several important developments and data releases, both domestically and globally. Geopolitical developments will remain the key factor to watch, as their impact on crude oil prices is likely to influence overall market direction,” Ajit Mishra, SVP, research, Religare Broking Ltd, said, as quoted by news agency PTI.He said investors on the domestic front would watch wholesale price inflation (WPI), balance of trade data and foreign exchange reserves, while globally, attention would be on the US Fed’s rate decision and the Federal Open Market Committee’s economic projections.

Crude, Hormuz disruption keep markets on edge

Analysts said the Strait of Hormuz will remain the biggest pressure point for markets, as any prolonged disruption to shipping could tighten oil supplies, stoke inflation fears and hurt risk appetite across Asia.“The week ahead is expected to remain highly volatile, with market direction largely influenced by developments surrounding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East,” Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, said, as per PTI.“Particular focus will remain on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy chokepoint, where any prolonged disruption to shipping could tighten global oil supplies, influence inflation expectations across Asia, and keep overall risk sentiment fragile,” he added.The US-Israel-Iran conflict escalated from February 28 and has led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the main transit route for Gulf energy supplies.

Markets reeling after sharp weekly fall

The caution comes after a brutal week for Indian equities. The BSE benchmark Sensex plunged 4,354.98 points, or 5.51 per cent, last week, while the NSE Nifty dropped 1,299.35 points, or 5.31 per cent.Since February 27, the 30-share BSE Sensex has slumped 6,723.27 points, or 8.27 per cent.Indian markets ended the week under “significant corrective pressure” as global risk sentiment deteriorated amid rising crude oil prices, escalating geopolitical tensions in Middle East and continued FII selling, Hariprasad K, research analyst and founder, Livelong Wealth.On Friday alone, the Sensex fell 1,470.50 points, or 1.93 per cent, to settle at 74,563.92, while the Nifty dropped 488.05 points, or 2.06 per cent, to 23,151.10. The rupee also weakened to a fresh record low of 92.45 against the US dollar, while Brent crude climbed to $100.7 per barrel.

FII flows, global central banks in spotlight

Analysts said foreign investor activity and rupee movement will remain crucial indicators in the days ahead, as global capital allocation toward emerging markets like India stays sensitive to geopolitical tensions and commodity volatility.Foreign investors pulled out Rs 52,704 crore (about $5.73 billion) from Indian equities in the first fortnight of March amid Middle East tensions, rupee depreciation and concerns over the impact of elevated crude prices on growth and corporate earnings.Siddhartha Khemka, head of research, wealth management at Motilal Oswal Financial Services, said that investors would also monitor key global data points, including Eurozone CPI, the Fed rate decision, and policy decisions from the Bank of England and European Central Bank, along with US jobs data.With oil hovering near the $100-a-barrel mark and geopolitical uncertainty still high, Dalal Street is likely to remain highly sensitive to every new headline from Middle East this week.

Mayank Chakraborty becomes the first GM from Northeast India (Special Arranements)

NEW DELHI: On Saturday morning, Rajib Dhar, the general secretary of the All Assam Chess Association, was having a good sleep. And why not? His protégé, Mayank Chakraborty, had just secured his final Grandmaster (GM) norm at the 8th GM Tournament in Sweden. In doing so, the 16-year-old became the first-ever Grandmaster from Assam and Northeast India, and the 94th overall for the country.The bedtime, however, didn’t last. Dhar felt a thud and heard a faint but extremely familiar voice: “Papa?” Papa?” It was Dhar’s little girl, clutching a chessboard close to her chest.“She doesn’t have a very strong interest in chess yet, but today, she tells me, ‘Papa, you teach me too, as you did with Mayank Dada. I will also become the first WGM (Woman Grandmaster) from Assam. If Mayank Dada can do it, then I can do it too,'” Dhar told TimesofIndia.com during an exclusive conversation.

A spark in Pandu

Mayank, born in 2009, was around seven when his mother, Dr Monomita Chakraborty, a gynaecologist, reached out to Dhar via Messenger.She, settled in Pandu (a small locality in Guwahati), was looking for someone nearby to guide her restless son through the basics of chess. Dhar, who is also from the same place and has trained Assam’s star International Master (IM) Shahil Dey, agreed.“In the beginning, his tactical skills were great, but he was a bit impatient and very restless, as kids that age are. But he later developed himself beautifully,” Dhar recalled.Mayank, now 16, soon started flaunting his skills over the board in the domestic circuit, becoming a three-time national champion across various age categories.“He has that high confidence level; he’s never afraid of who is sitting across the board,” Dhar said.

Mayank Chakraborty (Special Arrangements)

Sensing Mayank’s innate potential of becoming a GM, Dhar asked for some financial help from the All India Chess Federation (AICF) president Nitin Narang last year.“We just asked our AICF president, Nitin Narang, regarding sponsorship,” he revealed. “We told him he has the talent to become a Grandmaster, so we need a sponsor. He immediately said, ‘Okay, I will give Rs 2.5 lakh for his next tournaments.'”The investment paid off quite beautifully, it can be said.

The Mother’s Gambit

However, as the saying goes, behind every successful man, there is a woman. For Mayank, that woman is Monomita. To call her “dedicated” would be an understatement.Dhar still recalls a moment that perfectly encapsulates her sacrifice.“I remember going to give a ChessBase pendrive to her. She was in the middle of a surgery, and she came out for a second with her gloves still stained with blood just to make sure Mayank got his materials,” Dhar revealed.When she was on night duty at the hospital, Mayank would often be in the ward room, practising his lines while his mother worked.

Mayank Chakraborty playing with black pieces (Special Arrangements)

Nevertheless, the balancing act eventually became impossible. In 2022, Monomita left her government job to travel full-time with her son.“There was no one else to take Mayank to tournaments,” Dhar shared. “His mother’s dedication is tremendous. She left everything because chess was the number one priority for them. This achievement is completely because of her.”Monomita explained how her husband used to accompany their son, before she started to travel full-time. “My husband, Keshab Chakraborty, used to work at Airtel. In the early days of Mayank’s journey, I couldn’t travel much because I was still working until 2022. So initially, it was my husband who accompanied him to tournaments,” Monomita told TimesofIndia.com from Sweden.She further explained why travelling with her son became a necessity, adding, “Later, after my father-in-law passed away, we had some family difficulties, and my husband couldn’t travel as much anymore. That’s when I started accompanying Mayank. At one point, Mayank also faced some health problems; he developed sinusitis and severe allergies.“The cold, especially when we travel abroad, often triggers his cold allergy. Sometimes he needs medical attention, and managing that in a foreign country can be quite difficult and expensive for us. So in those situations, it became important for me to be there with him and accompany him during his travels.”

Culmination of a quest

For Monomita, the victory in Sweden is the culmination of a quest that was as much about regional pride as it was about individual excellence.“Since 1988, when Viswanathan Anand became India’s first GM, Assam and the entire Northeast have been waiting,” Monomita told this website.“When Mayank started serious chess, his only aim was: ‘I will be the first Grandmaster from Assam and the Northeast.’ With this motivation, we progressed.”The path was not linear. The COVID-19 pandemic halted their momentum for two years, and the transition from International Master (IM) to Grandmaster proved to be a psychological mountain.

Mayank Chakraborty (Special Arrangements)

Between August 2023 and early 2026, Mayank’s rating fluctuated wildly.“That was a demotivating phase,” Monomita admitted. “He was a bit skeptical because when you play too forcefully or aggressively, you lose rating points. I told him, ‘Once you touch 2500, the rest is just a matter of months.’ There was a threshold, maybe a moment of self-doubt. Once he passed that, he performed brilliantly in Prague and then Sweden.”In Sweden, Mayank secured the norm with a round to spare. The final round was a mere formality, a victory lap for a boy who had spent half his life chasing sixty-four squares.

Mother’s call for support

While the GM title is now a reality, the financial reality of elite chess is a different story. The Chakraborty family has exhausted their savings, liquidating Fixed Deposits to fund trips to Europe where the most competitive tournaments are held.“Chess is very expensive and time-consuming,” Monomita admitted. “It’s not like other sports where you keep your ‘belt’ forever. In chess, one second of lost focus and your rating, your pride, is gone. To reach 2600, he needs to play in elite tournaments against the top 20 players in the world. But that requires significant funds.”

Mayank Chakraborty (Special Arrangements)

The infrastructure in the Northeast, while improving through initiatives like the Khel Mahotsav, still lacks the corporate backing found in states like Tamil Nadu or Maharashtra.“I have reached a level where I have to choose priorities. My son is doing something for Assam as a whole,” Monomita said, her voice a mix of pride and urgency.ALSO READ: India gets first WIM from Northeast: How 15-year-old Arshiya Das is rewriting chess geography“I’ve liquidated what I could from my government job savings. Now, his future depends on government help and corporate support. My son has the capacity, and he believes in himself. If people believe in him, I will just follow him and let him continue his journey.”Back in Guwahati, children will be waking up their parents, chessboards in hand, ready to follow the path the 94th Grandmaster has finally cleared.