Lawrence School Sanawar kicks off 179th Founder’s Day
The Lawrence School, Sanawar, kicks off its 179th Founder's Day with sports, alumni reunions, and emotional tributes to fallen heroes.
The Lawrence School, Sanawar, one of the world’s oldest co-educational residential institutions, has commenced its grand three-day 179th Founder’s Day celebrations. The festivities began on Saturday with a vibrant mix of sporting competitions, alumni reunions, and cultural performances, drawing together current students, staff, parents, and the esteemed "Old Sanawarians" (OS) to honor the school's deep-rooted legacy.
Sports and Camaraderie on the Field
The opening day saw high energy on the sports fields, bridging the gap between generations. In a spirited display of athleticism, a girls' basketball match was held between the Old Sanawarians and the present students. This was followed by a boys' futsal match at Peacestead, where alumni and current pupils competed side-by-side, fostering a sense of brotherhood and healthy competition.
An Emotional Homecoming for Jubilee Batches
A deeply moving highlight of the first day was the Special Assembly held at the historic School Chapel. The ceremony honored the Old Sanawarian Jubilee Batches from the years 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1996, and 2001. Alumni gathered at the Golden Staircase for group photographs, reliving moments from decades past.
For many, the event was far more than a simple reunion. "Sanawar is not merely a school that we attended; it is a chapter of our lives that continues to live within us," remarked Vivek Mehra from the 1971 batch. Maneet Singh, representing the 2001 batch, echoed these sentiments, noting that the Chapel Assembly provided a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with lifelong friends.
Honouring the Brave
The celebrations also included a solemn moment of remembrance. Jubilee Batch representatives visited the War Memorial to lay wreaths in honor of Old Sanawarians who laid down their lives for the nation. Notably, members of the 1966 batch paid floral tributes to their former classmate, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the legendary Param Vir Chakra awardee, remembering his supreme sacrifice.
Drama and Cultural Displays
The cultural festivities moved to Barné Hall, where students presented a dramatic rendition of the classic courtroom drama, "12 Angry Men." The performance, which explores themes of justice, prejudice, and critical thinking, was designed to highlight the core values of empathy and responsible decision-making instilled in the students.
What to Expect in the Coming Days
The three-day extravaganza is far from over. The schedule for the remaining celebrations includes:
- Sunday: The annual athletic meet, prize distribution ceremonies, the school fete, a concert, and the spectacular Tattoo light and sound show.
- Monday: The grand finale, featuring the traditional Trooping of the School Flag, in the presence of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Ruchi Pradhan Datta, Headmaster of The Lawrence School, Sanawar, stated that Founder’s Day is a celebration of the spirit and values that have shaped the institution over nearly two centuries, creating lasting bonds between the past and the present.