India, March 20 -- It was a simple yet powerful piece of advice from chess legend Viswanathan Anand that kept 16-year-old Mayank Chakraborty grounded as he rose through the ranks to become the first-ever Grandmaster from Northeast India. Having scripted history, the teenager says it is humility that has shaped his journey the most. Speaking from his home in Guwahati, Assam, Mayank admits that the achievement once felt distant. "Ever since I took up chess, I wanted to be the first in everything I did," he says, adding, "Becoming the first Grandmaster from the Northeast began as a far-fetched dream, but over time, it became a clear goal. Now that I've achieved it, it feels like just the beginning." The journey to the Grandmaster title was far from easy, marked by both setbacks and breakthroughs. Through it all, one lesson stayed constant: a piece of advice from Anand. Mayank recalls, "He told me, 'Be more humble and live a simpler life'. Those words have stayed with me. If a giant like him believes in staying grounded, it's something I want to follow throughout my career." A Class XII student, Mayank continues to juggle academics with the demands of professional chess. "The game requires constant practice and travel," he says. "I can't attend classes regularly and usually appear only for exams, but my teachers have been very supportive and ensure I stay updated." While his focus remains on improving his game, Mayank is equally mindful of mental well-being. "Playing under pressure can take a toll. My parents have been my biggest support system. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I turn to them," he says. Looking ahead, the young gun is clear about his next goal. "It took me 10 years to get here, and I never gave up. I'll celebrate for a bit, and then it's back to work. My aim now is to become a 2600-rated player and a super GM."...