Solan: The Lawrence School, Sanawar, arguably the oldest Co-educational residential school in the world, established in 1847, is all set to celebrate its 177th Founder’s Day with a spectacular three-day extravaganza, commencing on 2nd October 2024. The 177th Founder’s Day celebrations will embrace the rich history, culture, and legacy that have defined the institution for 177 years. It promises to be a time of nostalgia, inspiration, and renewed commitment to the values and ethos of the School.
Gandhi Jayanti Special Assembly
The festivities kick off with a Gandhi Jayanti Special Assembly on 2nd October. During this assembly, the winners of the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi Prize for the year 2024 will be announced. The Mahatma Gandhi Prizes were instituted by Navin Chawla, the former Chief Election Commissioner of India and a distinguished alumnus of Sanawar about a decade and a half ago.
Old Sanawarians Reunion
Later in the day, hundreds of old students, affectionately known as Old Sanawarians, from the batches of 1999, 1964, 1959, and 1953, will congregate at their beloved alma mater to celebrate their Silver Jubilee, Diamond Jubilee, Platinum Jubilee and Blue Sapphire reunions. This heartwarming reunion is a testament to the enduring bonds formed within the Sanawar family. The School will organize a chapel service in their honour in the iconic school chapel built in 1851. Among the Old Sanawarians, some well-known names such Sidharth Kak, Yamini Gandhi, Pooja Bedi, Sanjay Dutt and Jessy Grewal are expected to attend the Founder’s this year.
Annual Athletic Meet and Cultural Extravaganza
On 3rd October, the historic Barne Field will come alive with the Annual Athletic Meet 2024, where both current and former Sanawarians will participate in various sporting events. The spirit of unity and sportsmanship will be on full display as participants run on the hallowed grounds of Barne Field. In the School Concert organized in the afternoon, students will stage two plays both in English and Hindi, including the English Classic “Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens, showcasing their artistic talents.
In the evening, the campus will be illuminated with a spectacular light and sound show, known as the Tattoo Show on Khetarpal stadium. This cultural extravaganza will feature mesmerizing performances, including Mass P.T, Girls Band Show, Gymnastics, and a grand finale by the entire school in a dance performance that promises to leave the audience spellbound.
Founder’s Day Parade and Exhibitions
On 4th October, the Founder’s Day, a special Thanks-Giving Assembly will be organized in the sacred memory of the Founder of the School. The showstopper of Founder’s celebrations, “Trooping of School Flag” parade will be held in the Khetarpal Stadium. Mrs. Kiran Tandon Nadar, Chairperson, Kiran Nadar Museum of Arts and Trustee, Shiv Nadar Foundation (also an alumna of the batch of 1966), preside over the event, inspecting the parade and presenting prizes to deserving students. Mrs. Nadar will also be giving away the Old Sanawarians with Life Time Achievement Award, The Old Sanawarian Achiever of the Year Award, and Teacher’s Excellence Award.
On this occasion, Mrs. Nadar will be inaugurating the newly constructed Girls’ Dormitory. Furthermore, the school students, along with their dedicated faculty members and hobby teachers, will showcase their talents and achievements in various exhibitions. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore exhibitions on art, sculpture, fashion design, robotics, and more, reflecting the school’s commitment to holistic education.
