Kasauli: The Lawrence School, Sanawar, in Himachal Pradesh’s Kasauli, concluded its three-day 179th Founder’s Day celebrations on Monday, October 5, with Indian Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as the Chief Guest. In his address, Admiral Swaminathan urged students to move forward in life with discipline, a clear sense of purpose, integrity and perseverance. Recalling the school’s enduring motto, “Never Give In,” he encouraged the students to remain resilient and never surrender to adversity.
The Navy Chief also reflected on his own childhood and recalled his experience of joining a residential military school at the age of 10. He said the experience taught him values that continued to guide him throughout his life. He observed that boarding schools provide much more than academic education. According to him, education, sports, hostel life and interaction with teachers and seniors collectively help in building a strong and well-rounded personality.
During his address, Admiral Swaminathan paid a heartfelt tribute to Old Sanawarian Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the Param Vir Chakra awardee of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, remembering his extraordinary courage and supreme sacrifice. He pointed out that Khetarpal was only 21 when he displayed exceptional bravery during the Battle of Basantar in 1971. His story, he said, serves as a reminder that even at a very young age, an individual can demonstrate extraordinary courage when confronted with a difficult moment.
Admiral Swaminathan also appreciated the contribution of the school’s teachers, staff and parents, emphasising that an entire community plays an important role in shaping a child into a better human being. Highlighting Sanawar’s rich legacy and the achievements of its alumni, the Navy Chief praised the contribution of the Old Sanawarians across different fields.
He noted that former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, former Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat, noted businessman Ness Wadia, Olympian Manavjit Singh Sandhu and actor Saif Ali Khan had all begun their journeys from the Sanawar campus. Although their careers took them into different fields and their journeys followed different paths, Admiral Swaminathan said, the values and foundations of their lives were shaped at Sanawar.
Chandrayaan missions as an example of perseverance
During his speech, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan cited India’s Chandrayaan missions as an example of perseverance and urged students to develop the courage to keep moving forward after setbacks. He recalled the Chandrayaan-2 mission in September 2019, when communication with the lander was lost just minutes before its planned landing on the lunar surface.
He said Indian scientists did not allow the setback to become the final word. Instead, they learnt from the experience and continued their efforts. Their determination eventually contributed to the success of Chandrayaan-3 in August 2023, when India became the first country to land near the Moon’s south polar region. He told the students that true perseverance means treating challenges and failures not as the end, but as an opportunity to learn, improve and move ahead.
Speaking from the picturesque surroundings of Kasauli, the Navy Chief shared five guiding principles for success in life – discipline, perseverance, a clear purpose, choosing the right path and gratitude. He also appreciated the strong network of the Old Sanawerian Society, which has a presence across 42 countries, and congratulated the students, teachers and parents while wishing the students a bright and successful future.
Traditional March Past and Trooping of the School Colours
The traditional Trooping of the School Colours and the grand March Past were among the major highlights of the concluding day of the Founder’s Day celebrations. Accompanied by patriotic tunes played by the school band, alumni from the jubilee batches of 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1996 and 2001 participated in the March Past, marching in perfect coordination. The display of discipline, tradition and school spirit proved to be an inspiring spectacle for everyone present.
Distinguished Old Sanawerian Awards
The school also honoured Old Sanawarians who have rendered distinguished service in their respective fields. Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, and General Gaurav Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana, former Chief of the Nepal Army and former Ambassador of Nepal to the United Kingdom, were conferred the prestigious Distinguished Old Sanawerian Award. Renowned human rights lawyer Maja Daruwala was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution and distinguished service.
Students honoured for academic and co-curricular excellence
Talented students were also recognised for their achievements in academics and co-curricular activities.
Inaya Kumar (HGD) received the Chief of Army Staff Trophy for Best Cadet, the King Constantine Medal for Round Square activities, the Som Dutt Trophy for Excellence, and the Honoria Lawrence Prize for Head Girl. Ranraj Singh Chaudhary (VBD) received the Chief of Army Staff Trophy as well as the Henry Lawrence Prize for Head Boy.
In academics, Viraj Gupta (VBD) was honoured with the Yashpal Chaudhary Gold Medal and the Late Captain Jabar Singh Cash Award for securing the first position in the Class XII Board examinations. Viraj Gupta also received the Nellie Lovell Gold Medal for securing the top position in the Science stream. Rakshit Bansal (SBD) secured the top position in the Commerce stream, while Davina Dhaliwal (NGD) stood first in the Humanities stream.
179 years of Sanawar’s legacy
Founded on April 15, 1847, by Sir Henry Lawrence and Lady Honoria Lawrence, The Lawrence School, Sanawar has preserved a distinguished legacy spanning 179 years. The three-day annual celebration featured sporting events, cultural performances and the Annual Athletic Meet, with around 700 students participating with enthusiasm. The 179th Founder’s Day celebrations thus concluded with a strong reaffirmation of the values that have shaped generations of Sanawarians – discipline, courage, integrity, perseverance and a commitment to excellence.
