Suraj Oruganti, a passionate high school chess player, created a unique chess program for autistic children called Chesslandia. Inspired by his interactions with autistic players in tournaments, he developed a storytelling-based curriculum that helped kids learn chess through imaginative narratives.
Despite initial rejections from autism institutions due to his age, Suraj stayed resilient and successfully launched the program at a local library with support from the Organization for Autism Research (OAR). Today, he teaches 20 regular students and emphasizes the importance of vision, planning, outreach, teamwork, and embracing failure in any volunteer initiative.
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| Suraj Oruganti - Photo from researchautism.org |
Who is Suraj Oruganti?
Based in New Jersey, Suraj Oruganti is a senior at West-Windsor Plainsboro High School South. He’s been a competitive chess player since the age of five, even earning a spot among the top 100 players in his age group back in 2017. Now serving as his school’s chess varsity captain, Suraj pairs his strategic mind with a passion for community impact.
His dedication to volunteering with the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) recently earned him the prestigious Youth Education Leader Certificate of Excellence. Outside the chessboard, Suraj explores complex topics in neuroscience, focusing on how the body responds to stress in neurodegenerative diseases.
When he's not analyzing chess moves or conducting research, you’ll find him shooting basketballs, diving into organic chemistry books, or pushing his limits at the gym.