Meet Manoj Tahiliani. This remarkable Whitby resident is a cardiologist by day and chess instructor by night! The Library is fortunate to have Manoj donate his time as a volunteer chess club instructor for Grades 2-8 at the Central Library. We sat down with Manoj to find out more about his passion for teaching the next generation how to play this legendary game.
WPL: The library chess club is incredibly popular with regular waiting lists. It’s just a sensation. Why do you think chess has become so in demand?
Manoj: Chess has always been such an engrossing and riveting game, but in recent years thanks to the internet and television, the interest in chess has grown tremendously. Online sites and Youtube have been pushing chess content and even streamers are playing live for their audiences. ‘The Queens Gambit’ on Netflix likely inspired others to explore the game. International Grandmasters are even blogging about chess and that has increased its widespread interest. They are more identifiable with younger people than previous top ranked players, in my opinion. Finally, it is a great way for parents to interact with their children in a more ’academic’, yet fun way.
WPL: What do you love most about the game?
Manoj: There are two main reasons why I love chess. Firstly, it is not a game of luck. All the information you need is sitting in the wide open and you can train yourself to create beautiful tactics and strategies, not unlike an artist standing in front of a blank canvas. Secondly, in most games or sports, each play or point scored is independent (for the most part) from the previous point or play and independent from the next point or play. But, in chess, every move is completely dependent on what happened previously, and each move affects what comes later, even several moves later. Because of this, chess requires real concentration and stamina and can be a tool to help teach patience and delayed gratification (useful traits for the ‘real world’).
WPL: Tell us how you came to be an instructor of the Library chess program?
Manoj: My father was my inspiration. He was always involved in the community for most of his life creating clubs and programs. He was also the first person to teach my brother and I how to play when I was eight years old, on a homemade chessboard made from a piece of drywall. After his passing in 2022, I realized my children had no access to a chess club at their school and I could not find a local program to enrol them in. My father was also the Chief Librarian, so I figured the best place to start was the Whitby Public Library and decided to volunteer some time to create this program. I am grateful for the opportunity.
WPL: You’re in the field of medicine. As a doctor, do you see any synergy between chess and your work?
Manoj: There are certainly similarities such as pattern recognition, memorization, and creativity. As a cardiologist, I am forced to analyze and interpret a large amount of information to create a focused care plan. I suspect years of chess playing has helped me to concentrate in medicine and vise versa.
WPL: What advice do you have for anyone thinking of trying to learn the game?
Manoj: It can be an overwhelming game, but start simple, just learn the very basics–how the pieces move–and start with simple games and advance them slowly. There is no rush and most importantly, do not worry about losing. Its just a game… right?
WPL: Inquiring minds want to know! When you’ve lost a match, do you knock your king over on the board in dramatic fashion like in the movies?
Manoj: Yes, in fact, I throw my king across the room! Joking of course, I play chess pretty casual now, sometimes even with a cold beverage in hand.
