Lawrence School, Sanawar, one of world’s oldest co-educational residential schools, commenced its three-day 179th founder’s day celebrations on Saturday with a vibrant line-up of sporting, alumni and cultural activities which brought together students, parents, staff and “Old Sanawarians (OS)” to celebrate the school’s enduring legacy and traditions.Day 1 special momentsThe first day of the celebrations began on the sports field with an “Old Sanawarians (OS) vs Present Sanawarians (PS)” basketball match for girls, followed by the same combination of match for boys at Peacestead. The sporting events provided an opportunity for OS and present students to reconnect through healthy competition and camaraderie.A deeply emotional moment of the opening day was the Special Assembly for the Old Sanawarian Jubilee Batches of 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1996 and 2001, held at the school chapel, followed by group photographs at the Golden Staircase. Alumni who had walked through the corridors of Sanawar decades ago returned to their alma mater, many meeting old classmates and friends after several years, turning the assembly into a celebration of memories, friendships and a bond that has endured across generations.’Some bonds never change’For many, returning to Sanawar was more than an alumni gathering. It was an emotional homecoming to a place that continues to hold a special place in their hearts. “Sanawar is not merely a school that we attended; it is a chapter of our lives that continues to live within us. Returning for our jubilee has brought back memories that time could never erase,” said Vivek Mehra of the 1971 batch.”Years may have passed, but coming back to Sanawar makes you realise that some bonds never change. The Chapel Assembly gave us a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with our friends and relive the memories of our school days,” said OS Maneet Singh of 2001 batch.The representatives of the Jubilee Batches also paid tributes at the war memorial by laying a wreath in remembrance of the OS who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation and safeguarded its honour. Members of the 1966 OS batch, to which Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal (Param Vir Chakra awardee) belonged, paid floral tribute to their former classmate and remembered his supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.Students present courtroom drama ’12 Angry Men’The day’s celebrations further included a special school concert at Barné Hall wherein students featured a presentation of “12 Angry Men,” the classic courtroom drama that explores justice, critical thinking, prejudice and the importance of questioning assumptions. The performance highlighted the values of independent thinking, empathy and responsible decision-making.The celebrations will conclude on Monday in the presence of Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan with the traditional Trooping of the School Flag marking the ceremonial finale.Celebration of spirit, traditions and values: HeadmasterRuchi Pradhan Datta, Headmaster, The Lawrence School, Sanawar, said, “Founder’s Day is a celebration of the spirit, traditions and values that have shaped Sanawar over the years. It is a wonderful occasion for our students, staff, parents and Old Sanawarians to come together, celebrate our shared heritage and create new memories while cherishing the timeless Sanawar bond.”Brig. Adarsh Butail (Retd.), President, Old Sanawarian Society, said, “Founder’s Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate the traditions of Sanawar and the enduring friendships formed here.”