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Journalism of Courage
Norwegian chess legend Magnus Carlsen was recently present at the Tata Steel Chess India Festival 2024, held in Kolkata, West Bengal. India’s Bristy Mukherjee emerged as the winner of the All India Women Rapid event (Event B) with a 7/7 score. Now, a video of Mukherjee accepting the trophy and making a grand gesture by touching his feet is stirring up attention on social media.
The viral clip shows Mukherjee touching Vishwanathan Anand’s feet and approaching Carslen, who shook hands with her first. Before receiving the trophy, she touched his feet, leaving him all smiles. The video was shared by the official X handle of Tata Steel Chess India.
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The video prompted a range of reactions. While a section of social media users hailed Mukherjee for her values, others found it unnecessary. A user wrote, “And by respect wise also, it is awkward.” Another user commented, “Magnus was genuinely humbled. Good to see his soft side!”
“Those who intend to demean this, its Indian tradition to seek blessings by touching the feet of s1 they worship, respect, or consider an elder. I’m sure many Indians, like me, regard Magnus as someone who has achieved the unthinkable in chess and deserves the utmost respect,” a third user reacted. “I don’t think this is important to do. People in India are so obsessed with foreign people. Personal opinion,” another user commented.
The event took place at the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in Kolkata.
