A Passion That Began in School
For Sri Rangaswamy, chess has always been more than just a game. It has been a lifelong passion that taught him strategy, patience, discipline, and the importance of thinking ahead.
Sri began playing chess around 1975 while studying in the 8th grade at Ramakrishna Mission High School in India. What started as an interest quickly became a serious pursuit.
Through dedication and practice, Sri competed in tournaments and eventually won first place in a championship competition.
That early achievement inspired him to continue developing his skills and representing his schools and organizations in chess competitions.
Representing College and University Competitions
From 1980 to 1983, while studying at D.B. Jain College, Sri was selected as one of five representatives to compete in chess tournaments.
During this time, he also had the honor of representing Madras University in chess competitions.
These experiences helped him strengthen his competitive skills while connecting with other passionate chess players.
Sri also became a member of the Tal Chess Club, a Russian chess organization known for providing chess education and opportunities for players around the world.
He remembers it as an incredible place to learn, practice, and improve his game.
Chess Throughout His Professional Journey
Sri continued playing chess throughout his professional career.
While working as a Lower Division Clerk and living with his uncle in Janakpuri, New Delhi, he participated in and won the C-1A Block Chess Tournament.
Later, while working with the Income Tax Department in India, Sri represented the organization as an award-winning chess player. He was selected as one of the top eight players to participate in competitions against various organizations.
During this period, Sri had the opportunity to play against many talented chess players, including Viswanathan Anand, who would later become one of India’s greatest chess champions and a World Chess Champion.
Chess Around the World
Sri’s passion for chess continued even as his career took him internationally.
While working in Germany with Grafische Informatik around 1995, he continued participating in chess games and competitions.
That same year, Sri also shared his passion for the game through writing, publishing a chess article in Nucleus Magazine.
After moving to the United States on May 16, 1996, Sri continued his involvement with the chess community and became a member of the U.S. Chess Federation in 2000.
A Lifelong Love for the Game
Today, Sri continues to enjoy chess through local games, library events, and community tournaments.
For Sri, chess represents much more than competition. It represents creativity, strategy, patience, and lifelong learning.
Whether playing a challenging match, teaching others, or simply discussing the beauty of the game, chess remains one of his greatest passions.
The lessons learned from chess—planning ahead, adapting to challenges, and making thoughtful decisions—have influenced many areas of Sri’s life, from technology and business to comedy and leadership.
About Sridhar “Sri” Rangaswamy
Sri is an author, technologist, comedian, and motivational speaker with decades of experience in technology, leadership, entertainment, and community service. Through storytelling, humor, and real-life experiences, Sri inspires audiences to learn, grow, and make a positive impact.
Bring Inspiration, Leadership & Laughter to Your Organization
Whether you’re planning an event, looking for a motivational speaker, or exploring business opportunities, Sri brings decades of experience, engaging storytelling, and a unique perspective to every audience.
