Harika Dronavalli- A Woman Of Power, Stature, Intellect & Pure Passion

Sashi Vangapalli
Jul 20, 2017 · 3 min read

Only 26 and taking the world by storm, Harika is an Indian chess player and the 2011 Grandmaster. A bubbly, enthusiastic and sharp girl, she has incredible accolades to her name, from medals in the Women’s World Chess Championship to the prestigious Arjuna Award for the year 2007–2008. A student of Sri Venkateswara Bala Kuteer, Harika has always been deeply tied o her roots despite her lofty goals that she so persistently and consistently succeeds in achieving. A girl of grit, Harika has been quoted to say that she understands that chess isn’t a game that everyone understands immediately, and that there is more effort required in order to popularise it- such is her love for the sport.

A pioneer in her own stead, she is humble and modest- saying that she doesn’t believe IQ level has to be high for someone to be a chess player. From long hours of intense practice to keeping her mind and body fit through Yoga and physical exercise, Harika is invested and immensely so.

In a world full of competitors who are too lost in their drive to win, Harika remains close to her family, close to home- especially her grandmother, who has been a pillar of support for her. Defined by hard work and dedication, Harika is an embodiment of focused passion. She’s a delight to watch, brimming with excitement when she speaks of chess, moved by the strategy and concepts behind it.

It was this very Harika who shared the stage with the alpha woman Sushmita Sen for the recent Sashi Vangapalli Brand launch, looking every bit the star she is. Capricious and candid, Harika isn’t far removed from couture, embracing all aspects of being a young stalwart. A sport like chess is demanding- of calm composure and great confidence- both of which she exudes.

It is this very kind of women, women who are radiant, warm and absolutely bent on succeeding- who carve nooks and crannies for other women to stand tall in. Harika Dronavalli travels the world, attends training camps, cracks the code with practice and perseverance, enjoys herself and finds time to walk in SV. Inspirational and vibrant- that’s her, and a few women like her, who stand as idols, stand for all that SV stands for- creative, powerful and radical. “One day, I will become world champion”, Harika has said, and my bets are she will.

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