Tibetans in exile pray for disaster victims in Shimla

A three-day-long event to commemorate the 176th year of its foundation began at The Lawrence School, Sanawar, today. The commenced on a meaningful note as the school paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary.

A moving tribute was paid to the great leader, who epitomised principles of truth and non-violence.

Chairman of the school management committee Major Sanjeev Sharma graced the occasion as the chief guest. The student choir beautifully rendered Gandhi’s favourite hymns, “Abide With Me” and “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram”, setting a reverential tone for the event.

School head girl Ananaya Goyal delivered an inspiring speech, emphasising the enduring relevance of Gandhi’s teachings. She said, “Bapu remains our beloved leader for his messages are relevant even today. It is indeed very difficult to follow the principles he lived by, but we, as students, understand the need to live by his ideals of truth and non-violence.”

School head boy Aarnav Thapa addressed the contemporary issues of violence, greed and revenge in today’s world. He quoted Gandhi, saying, “If we go for an eye for an eye, the whole world will go blind.”

In recognition of excellence in understanding and embodying Gandhi’s principles, some students were awarded certificates and trophies. The first prize was conferred upon Jaimukund Bhan, the second prize was awarded to Sana and the third prize to Prisha Gera.

Later in the day, alumni from 1998, 1973 and 1958 batches were welcomed for a reunion. A special chapel service was organised to honour the alumni.

The batch coordinators fondly reminisced about their school days, sharing memories of teachers who played a significant role in their upbringing.

As a gesture of gratitude and nostalgia, Sanawar hosted a grand dinner for these special batches, fostering a sense of togetherness and celebrating the enduring spirit of the school’s community.

The celebrations will present a variety of cultural performances, showcasing history, heritage and traditions of the school, over the next two days. Tibetans-in-exile today offered special prayers for those who were killed in floods in Himachal Pradesh this year. The monks gathered in the Dorjeedak Buddhist monastery at Panthaghati in Shimla and offered special prayers.

According to Tibetan Buddhism, the 49th day after death is very important and they offer prayers for the souls of dead people, as according to their belief that the soul leaves the body and the area on this day.

Scores of Buddhist monks gathered in the monastery at Panthaghati, the high Llamas offered prayers for the peace and next birth of those who died in the natural disaster.

“Tibetan local society, Women Association and the Tibetan Youth Congress organised special prayers for those who lost their lives in natural disasters. We offer special prayers on the 49th Day of the death of an individual. We also offer prayers every week after death,” said Tsedup Yingyen, a Tibetan Buddhist monk