The Lawrence School, Lovedale celebrated 100 years in 1958, one year before I joined. It was founded way back in 1858 by Major General Sir Henry Montgomery Lawrence, after whom the school was named. Sir Henry wanted to provide education to children of serving and deceased soldiers and officers of the then British Army in India.

History has it that there were 4 Lawrence Schools at the time of India’s Independence. The two oldest were started during Sir Henry’s life time. The oldest at Sanawar, started in 1847; the second at Mt. Abu started in 1856. While Sanawar is still going strong, the one at Mt. Abu is no longer there. It became the National Police Academy and now houses the Internal Security Academy.

The Lawrence School at Lovedale was established in September 1858. The fourth was the Lawrence College at Ghora Gali, near Murree, in 1860. This , on partition went to Pakistan.

The Lawrence School, Lovedale ( like all the others) started off as the Lawrence Asylum. It received Royal patronage and became the Lawrence Memorial Royal Military School in 1921. After Independence, it became a school under the Ministry of Education of the Government of India.

The Lawrence School, Lovedale, has a sprawling campus of 750 acres. Lovedale, six kilometers (3.7 miles) from Ootacamund, is located at a height of 7200 feet over sea level, slightly lower than the Dodabetta peak , the highest peak of the mountain ranges of the Nilgiris. The school campus is divided into prep school, junior school and senior school based on the classes.

This year the School celebrates 150 years this year. The former President of India, Dr. Abdul Kalam will be the Chief Guest for this year’s Founders Day -traditionally celebrated in May.

Everyone who has passed through its portals will always remember and live by its motto ” Never Give In”.