New Delhi: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan on Monday urged students of The Lawrence School, Sanawar, to uphold integrity as the school concluded its 179th founder’s day celebrations.“Be disciplined and persistent, choose a purpose for yourself in life, do the right thing always, no matter what and be grateful for the help and support you get along your life’s journey,” Swaminathan told the students.The chief guest urged them to carry forward the Sanawarian spirit of “Never Give In”, saying discipline was not merely about following instructions but choosing what is right over what is easy. He also asked students to remain grateful to their parents, teachers, coaches and friends who shape their journey.Recalling his own experience as a 10-year-old entering a residential military school, Swaminathan said boarding schools impart some of life’s most enduring lessons not only in classrooms but also on the playing field, in dormitories, at the dining table and through interactions with teachers and seniors.He also paid tribute to 2nd Lt Arun Khetarpal, a Param Vir Chakra awardee and a former Sanawarian, whose courage during the Battle of Basantar in 1971 remains an inspiration.The ceremonial proceedings featured the traditional Trooping of the School Colours, followed by a march past by Old Sanawarians representing the jubilee batches of 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1996 and 2001, accompanied by the school band.The Distinguished Old Sanawarian Award was conferred on Delhi Lt Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, General Gaurav SJB Rana, former chief of the Royal Nepalese Army and ambassador to the UK, and human rights lawyer Maja Daruwala.Sandhu did not attend the event.Among those present were Brig Adarsh Butail, president of the Old Sanawarian Society, actor Neena Gupta and other distinguished Old Sanawarians and eminent personalities.Swaminathan also congratulated prize winners and appreciated teachers, instructors, school staff and management for their contribution to shaping students. School headmaster Ruchi Pradhan Datta presented the school report highlighting the institution’s achievements and milestones.The three-day celebrations featured sports, alumni activities and cultural programmes. The opening day saw friendly basketball and futsal matches between old and present Sanawarians, followed by a special assembly bringing together jubilee batches. Alumni also paid homage at the war memorial to former students who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation. Members of the 1966 batch paid a floral tribute to their former classmate, 2nd Lt Khetarpal.The second day centred on the annual athletics meet, with nearly 700 students participating in track-and-field events. Old Sanawarians also joined the sporting activities, with Lt Col Jaspal Singh Sandhu from the 1971 batch attending as chief guest. Founded on April 15, 1847, by Sir Henry and Lady Honoria Lawrence, the school has completed nearly 18 decades of its journey.
