Lawrence School, Sanawar Ranked 1st Among Vintage Co-ed Boarding Schools
Lawrence School, Sanawar, has yet again proved its prestige by securing the
top spot in the "Vintage
Co-ed Boarding Schools" category in India. This recognition was
awarded by Education World, which announced its India
Schools Ranking (EWISR) for 2024-25.
The EWISR, known as the world’s largest and most comprehensive school
ratings and rankings survey, is based on field interviews with over 8,500
stakeholders in school education across the country.
The award was received by the school’s headmaster, Himmat Singh Dhillon,
during a grand ceremony held on October 18, 2024, at The Leela Ambience Hotel
in Gurgaon. This achievement coincided with the school’s celebrations of its
177th anniversary earlier in the month, adding to the pride and joy felt by
students, staff, and alumni alike.
The Legacy of Lawrence School, Sanawar: A Historical Journey
The Lawrence School, Sanawar, holds the
distinction of being one of the oldest and most prestigious private boarding
schools in Asia. Established in 1847, it is located in the Kasauli Hills near
Solan, Himachal Pradesh, at an altitude of 1,750 meters. The school is set
amidst 139 acres of lush, forested land filled with pine and deodar trees, and
is an hour's drive from Chandigarh. Founded by Sir Henry Lawrence and his
wife, Honoria, Sanawar has grown to be one of the finest educational
institutions in India, recognized for both its rich history and its commitment
to excellence. Its motto, "Never Give In," has inspired
generations of students, and in May 2013, Sanawar became the first school
to send a team of seven students to summit Mount Everest.
The
Origins: From Mussoorie to Sanawar
The story of Lawrence School begins with Sir
Henry Lawrence’s vision to provide education to orphaned children of European
soldiers in India. Initially, Lawrence proposed that Mussoorie be the location
for the institution, considering it an ideal site due to its proximity to
European settlements and the availability of medical aid. However, logistical
challenges led to a change in plans, and after discussions with his
contemporaries, including British officer Herbert Benjamin Edwardes, the
Kasauli Hills were chosen as a more feasible option. The school was established
on April 15, 1847, when 14 children were brought to Sanawar under the care of
Lawrence’s sister-in-law, Charlotte Lawrence.
A Vision
for Education and Asylum
Lawrence’s goal was to provide these children
with a safe and nurturing environment, away from the tropical climate and harsh
conditions of barrack life. He envisioned an institution that would offer a
"plain, useful, and religious education," preparing students for life
and employment suited to their background. In addition to orphans, some
Anglo-Indian children were admitted, but preference was given to those of
European parentage. Maharaja Gulab Singh, the first ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, was a
major contributor to the school’s founding, providing financial assistance for
the construction of its buildings.
Military
Tradition and Early Years
The school's military roots were strong from
the start. Under the leadership of its first professional headmaster, W.J.
Parker, the school was known as "Lawrence's Asylum" and later,
in 1858, renamed the "Lawrence Royal Military School." The
school earned the rare honor of being presented with the King’s Colour in 1853,
a recognition shared with only a few prestigious institutions in the British
Empire. Throughout its history, Sanawar's students played a significant role in
both World Wars, with many joining the military straight from school. This
tradition of service is honored annually at the school’s Founders’ Celebration.
Challenges
and Growth
Sanawar faced significant challenges in its
early years, with outbreaks of diseases such as cholera leading to the deaths
of many students. In response, measures were taken to improve the school’s
sanitation and medical facilities. By the late 19th century, under headmaster
John Cole, the school began to focus on improving hygiene and overall student
health.
Sanawar’s centenary in 1947 coincided with
India’s independence, marking a crucial turning point in the school’s history.
Many British staff and students returned to England, but the school’s legacy
continued under the leadership of Lord Mountbatten, who presided over the
celebrations. Control of the school passed to India’s Ministry of Defence and
later, in 1949, to the Ministry of Education. By 1954, the school was governed
by a society created under the Societies Registration Act of 1860.
Celebrating
150 Years and Beyond
The Lawrence School, Sanawar, celebrated its
150th anniversary in 1997, marking the occasion with a commemorative two-rupee
postage stamp issued by the Indian government. Today, Sanawar continues to be
ranked among the top residential schools in India, maintaining its rich legacy
of academic and military excellence, while embracing modern educational
practices.
Sanawar’s history is a testament to its
enduring spirit and commitment to holistic education. From its humble
beginnings as a refuge for orphans to its status as one of India’s premier
schools, the Lawrence School remains a beacon of learning, resilience, and
tradition.
Post a Comment