‘Gens Una Sumus’ – What three Latin words beneath a chess emblem taught me about the world

 India’s young Grandmaster Aarav Dengla has played chess against opponents of every age and from countries across the world. In his debut The Grandmaster View column, he reflects on the three Latin words beneath the FIDE emblem that first caught his attention as a seven-year-old. Through memories from tournament halls and the quiet rituals that follow every game, Aarav explores how Gens Una Sumus – “We are one family” – is more than just the sport’s motto; it is the enduring spirit of chess itself. India’s young Grandmaster Aarav Dengla has played chess against opponents of every age and from countries across the world. In his debut The Grandmaster View column, he reflects on the three Latin words beneath the FIDE emblem that first caught his attention as a seven-year-old. Through memories from tournament halls and the quiet rituals that follow every game, Aarav explores how Gens Una Sumus – “We are one family” – is more than just the sport’s motto; it is the enduring spirit of chess itself.