A unique chessboard, meticulously crafted entirely from beeswax, has captured national attention and secured a prestigious spot in the India Book of Records. The innovative creation was the star attraction at a recent state-level agricultural fair held at the University of Agricultural Sciences (GKVK) in Bengaluru.
From Hive to Checkmate: The Birth of an Idea
The mastermind behind this novel creation is Prajwal M, a full-time beekeeper and founder of Coastal Honey Bee Farm from Kinnigoli in Dakshina Kannada district. An MBA graduate who turned to apiculture during the Covid-19 pandemic, Prajwal has been experimenting with value-added products from beehives for years.
His journey to the record books began after he won a state-level award in October. This achievement led to an invitation from organisers to showcase an innovative product at the GKVK exhibition last month. "Initially, I thought of creating a statue, but I realised it would not be possible to complete it within four days. That is when the idea of making a chessboard struck me," Prajwal explained. He later discovered his creation was the first of its kind in the country.
A Functional Masterpiece with One Condition
The chessboard is not just a decorative item but is fully functional. Measuring 20cm by 26cm, it can be used for a game just like any standard board. However, it comes with a special caveat due to its material. "The only condition is that it should not be exposed to heat," Prajwal cautioned, highlighting the beeswax's natural properties.
Made completely from beeswax, the board showcases remarkable craftsmanship and novelty, drawing wide admiration from visitors and officials at the agricultural fair. The recognition from the India Book of Records has now formally cemented its status as a unique Indian innovation.
Beyond the Board: A Beekeeper's Broader Mission
Prajwal, the son of Sunita and Madhava Shettigar from Talipadi village, is no stranger to accolades in his field. Earlier this year, he was honoured with the state-level Young Beekeeper Award. With over six years of dedicated involvement in beekeeping, his contributions extend far beyond this chessboard.
His work encompasses a diverse range of over 25 value-added products, including skin care items, kajal, and dry fruit honey. Furthermore, he is actively involved in research initiatives, training programmes for aspiring beekeepers, and educational outreach for schoolchildren. Buoyed by the success of his beeswax chessboard, Prajwal now hopes to introduce it commercially in the near future, adding another unique product to his apiculture-based enterprise.
