Lovedale Tidings - September - October 2025
Diwali Celebrations Illuminate The Lawrence School, Lovedale
The Lawrence School, Lovedale, radiated warmth and festivity on the eve of Diwali as the campus came alive with elegant decorations and the soft glow of diyas—symbols of knowledge, purity, and enlightenment. The celebration began with a Diwali Pooja in the SS Large Hall, where the Headmaster, staff, and students offered prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, seeking blessings for prosperity, peace, and harmony. The hall reverberated with melodious mantras and the fragrance of incense, creating an ambience of devotion and serenity. The Aarti that followed united everyone in a collective spirit of gratitude and spirituality.
After the ceremony, a high tea was hosted for the staff and students, featuring an array of traditional sweets and savouries that added to the cheer of the occasion. Despite the light drizzle outside, the campus glowed with laughter, warmth, and togetherness, embodying Diwali’s timeless message—the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The celebration beautifully captured the essence of the festival while reflecting the school’s enduring spirit of unity, cultural reverence, and enlightenment.
The Turning Point-An Evening of Drama and Talent
The Inter-House One Act Play Competition was held on 16th October 2025 on the theme “The Turning Point.” The evening was a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and the magic of drama, as students from all four houses took the stage with memorable performances.The event was judged by Ms Priyadarshini Nair, Ms Geeta Menon, and Mr Vijaya Kumar Dar, and we were honoured to have Ms Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru, IAS, District Collector of the Nilgiris, as our Chief Guest.
The competition featured four captivating performances. Aravalli House presented Behind the Mask, Nilgiri House staged The Oath We Keep, Sumeru House performed The Price of Desire, and Vindhya House brought to life Carpe Diem.
Each play brought something unique, powerful dialogues, thoughtful direction, and heartfelt performances that kept the audience deeply engaged. After much deliberation, Nilgiri House was declared the winner, followed by Sumeru House in second place, and Vindhya House in third. In the individual categories, Namith Puttachi was awarded Best Actor (Male) and Adrika Zara Arun received Best Actor (Female). The competition was a wonderful showcase of talent and teamwork, leaving the audience inspired and reminding everyone that sometimes, one moment can truly change everything.
Dream Alliance Equestrian Competition 2025
The prestigious Dream Alliance Equestrian Competition was held on 8th and 9th October 2025, with 33 students from The Lawrence School, Lovedale displaying remarkable skill, discipline, and sportsmanship. The event was graced by Col. Sunil Shivdas (Retd.) of the 61st Cavalry Regiment, an international-level judge and Asian Games official, who praised the riders’ enthusiasm and high standard of training.
This annual national-level event brings together 12 leading equestrian clubs and schools from across India. The Lawrence School, Lovedale takes pride in its riders’ commendable performances and continues to uphold its strong tradition of equestrian excellence.
Under 14 Boys Inter School Basketball Tournament 2025
Date of the Tournament : 14th & 15th October 2025
Venue – The Lawrence school, Lovedale
The Tournament was played on the Round Robin League method.
Participating teams
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The Lawrence school, Lovedale
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The Laidlaw school, Ketti
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Crescent castle school, Ooty
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St Judes school, Kotagiri
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Army school , Wellington
Result
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Winner - The Lawrence School, Lovedale
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1st runner up - St Judes school, Kotagiri
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2nd runner up - The Laidlaw school, Ketti
Special awards
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Best Player - Mithran Sai (The Lawrence School ,Lovedale)
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Most valuable player - Tridev Reddy (The Lawrence School ,Lovedale)
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Most promising player - Abdul (St Judes school, Kotagiri )
Unstoppable in Stride: Lawrence School Girls Conquer IPSC Athletics Meet!
The Lawrence School is proud to celebrate the exceptional achievements of its Girls Athletics Team, who emerged victorious at the IPSC Athletics Meet held at The Emerald Heights International School, Indore.
Competing against premier institutions including Sports School Rai and other reputed schools from across India, the team demonstrated extraordinary skill, teamwork, and perseverance. From sprint events to jumps and relays, the athletes showcased their strength, preparation, and championship mindset in every performance.
Their outstanding efforts resulted in a remarkable haul of medals, broken records, and most importantly, a powerful display of what dedication and unity can accomplish. This victory not only brings pride to the school but also sets an inspiring example for future generations of student-athletes.
The school extends its heartfelt congratulations to the entire team and wishes them continued success in all future competitions.
U-19 Category Results:
S.No Name Event Position
1 S. B. Dheshna 100m Hurdles Gold
Long Jump Gold
Triple Jump Silver
2 Shreya Peter 100m Gold
Triple Jump Gold
Long Jump Silver
3 Rithanya Rajesh 800m Bronze
1500m Silver
4 Shivika Aiyappa 400m Bronze
5 Hiba Sheriff 3000m Walk Silver
6 S. B. Dheshna 4x400m Relay Silver
Rithanya Rajesh
Shivika Aiyappa
Shaarvi Jagat
7 S. B. Dheshna 4x100m Relay Gold
Shreya Peter
C. P. Sadana Sree
Shaarvi Jagat
U-17 Category Results – Group 1:
S.No Name Event Position
1 Y. J. Adhyuta 400m Hurdles Gold
100m Hurdles Gold
Triple Jump Bronze
2 P. K. Vethavarna High Jump Gold
3 Adhya Aran 4x400m Relay Gold
Nandika Arun
Heera Y
Y. J. Adhyuta
4 Adhya Aran 400m Silver
1500m Bronze
5 Heera Y 400m Bronze
6 Y. J. Adhyuta 4x100m Relay Silver
P. K. Vethavarna
Nandhika Arun
Alisha Chand
U-17 Category Results – Group 2:
S.No Name Event Position
1 Nila Mukil 600m Gold
400m Bronze
2 Arya M 100m Bronze
200m Silver
3 P. Tanvi Shot Put Silver
U-17 Category: The Lawrence School Lovedale won the Championship
U-19 Category: The Lawrence School Lovedale won the Championship
Overall winner: The Lawrence School Lovedale won the Championship
Lawrencians Excel at IPSC Athletics 2025
The IPSC Athletics (Boys) Championship 2025 was held at The Emerald Heights International School from 15th to 17th September 2025, with participation from around 20 leading schools across the country.
The boys' team from The Lawrence School, Lovedale, delivered an outstanding performance, demonstrating remarkable talent, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the championship. Competing across various track and field events, the team secured numerous podium finishes and brought pride to the school.
Medal Winners:
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Kavya Patel
Silver – Discus Throw (U-19)
Silver – Hammer Throw (U-19)
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Shresth Parak
Bronze – Discus Throw (U-19)
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Shaurya
Gold – High Jump (U-17)
Bronze – Triple Jump (U-17)
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Routhran S
Gold – 400m (U-14)
Silver – 200m (U-14)
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A.S. Aryan
Gold – High Jump (U-14)
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Adhi Naishkar
Silver – Long Jump (U-14)
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Anshuman Patnaik
Bronze – 100m (U-19)
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Jove Joseph
Bronze – High Jump (U-17)
Relay Team Achievements:
U-14 4x100m Relay – Bronze
Team Members: JS Surya, Adhi Naishkar, Ananth Kumar, Routhran S
U-17 4x100m Relay – Bronze
Team Members: Jose Sajeev, Vishnuvard, Lohith Aksha Reddy, Jove Joseph
With impressive medal tallies across multiple age categories, the team’s performance was a testament to their dedication and the rigorous training they undergo. Their spirited participation and commendable results continue to uphold The Lawrence School’s proud legacy in athletics. The Lawrence School, Lovedale was declared 1st Runners-Up overall in the Under-14 Boys category — a significant milestone in the school's athletic history and a moment of great pride for the entire Lawrence community.
45th Lawrence Memorial Inter-School Hindi Debate Competition
On the occasion of Hindi Diwas, The Lawrence School, Lovedale hosted the 45th Lawrence Memorial Inter-School Hindi Debate Competition on 15th September 2025 in the Senior School Large Hall. This prestigious annual event brought together 18 participants from various schools across the Nilgiris region, celebrating both the richness of the Hindi language and the spirit of intellectual discourse.
The topic for this year’s debate was: "Sarvochya Nyayalaya Loktantra ka Rakshak Hai" (The Supreme Court is the Guardian of the Nation’s Democracy). Participants eloquently presented their arguments both for and against the motion, showcasing commendable oratory, clarity of thought, and critical reasoning.
The competition began at 2:00 PM, with a distinguished panel of judges evaluating the participants on content, language, delivery, and overall impact. It was a proud moment for The Lawrence School, Lovedale, which not only hosted the event successfully but also emerged as the overall winner.
Keya Rawani was awarded Best Speaker and secured First Position with 145 points, while Ananya Singh was adjudged Second Best Debater with 141.5 points, bringing further laurels to the school.
Results:
Individual Positions (Out of 150 points):
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First: Keya Rawani – 145 points
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Second: Ananya Singh – 141.5 points
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Third: A Dhruv Parekh – 138 points
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Consolation Prize: Iknoor Kaur – 137 points
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Best Speaker: Keya Rawani
School Positions (Out of 300 points):
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First: The Lawrence School, Lovedale – 286.5 points
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Second: JSS Public School, Ooty – 275 points
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Third: Stanes A.I. Hr. Sec. School, Coonoor – 241 points
· Fourth: Good Shepherd International School, Ooty – 239.5 points
Suicide Prevention Week
The Lawrence School, Lovedale, observed Suicide Prevention Week from 10th to 16th September 2025 with the aim of raising awareness on mental health, promoting help-seeking behavior, and fostering a compassionate and resilient school culture. The program began on 10th September with Child Safety Seminars for Classes 6–12, focusing on making healthy life choices, recognizing and reporting safety concerns, and empowering students to prioritize their well-being. From 11th to 16th September, Life Skills Classes were conducted for Classes 5–8, where students engaged in activities like writing self-love letters, exchanging positive notes, and participating in guided discussions on the importance of seeking help, supporting peers, and normalizing mental health care without stigma.
Beyond academics, pastoral dorm activities encouraged students and teachers alike to share personal experiences of resilience, building trust and normalizing conversations around challenges. Creative expressions reinforced the week’s message with posters of the Tele Manas Helpline, posters of hope and sticky-note positivity campaigns on mirrors, reminding students and staff daily that every individual matters. Together, these initiatives strengthened peer support, life skills, and the collective understanding that mental health is as important as physical health.
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Lawrence School Dominates Inter-School Badminton Tournament 2025
Clean Sweep with 4 Team Championships and 2 Runners-Up Titles
The Inter-School Badminton Tournament for Boys and Girls, hosted by The Lawrence School, Lovedale, on 10th & 11th September 2025, turned into a grand display of the host school's sporting excellence. With 16 schools participating in the high-energy event, Lawrence School delivered a clean sweep, winning 4 team championships and securing 2 runners-up positions across all categories.
Team Championship Titles Won:
Boys U-17 – Defeated St. Jude’s Public School, Kotagiri in the finals.
Boys U-19 – Clinched victory against Laidlaw Memorial School.
Girls U-14 & U-19 – Both teams triumphed over Laidlaw Memorial School in their respective finals.
Runners-Up Positions:
Boys U-14
Girls U-17
The Lawrence teams displayed exceptional teamwork, strategy, and resilience throughout the tournament.
Individual Honors:
Best Players of the Tournament:
Annika Iyer, Nikita Rao, Namith D Puttachi, and Arjun
Promising Players of the Tournament:
Mahikaa Rao and Astitwa Goswami
Author Visit – Vedic Mathematics with Ms. Vidhya Vikram
On 11th September 2025, the school was delighted to welcome Ms. Vidhya Vikram, noted author and Vedic Mathematics coach, for an interactive session with students of the Prep School and Junior School.
Ms. Vikram introduced the young learners to the ancient system of Vedic Mathematics, highlighting its relevance and simplicity in solving mathematical problems. She demonstrated innovative methods of multiplication, division, and quick calculations that sparked curiosity and excitement among the students.
The sessions were designed to be activity-based and participatory. Students eagerly joined in, attempting mental math challenges and discovering how these traditional techniques could make problem-solving faster and more enjoyable. Her warm, engaging style of teaching encouraged even the more hesitant learners to try out the activities.
The visit was an enriching experience for the students, offering them a fresh perspective on the subject and inspiring them to explore learning beyond the classroom.
The school extends its heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Vidhya Vikram for sharing her expertise and making mathematics an enjoyable journey for our students.
Child Safety Seminars
As mandated by the Police Department and the Government of Tamil Nadu, Child Safety Seminars were conducted at The Lawrence School, Lovedale on 10th September 2025. The sessions were facilitated by:
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Dr. Pamila, General Secretary of the CAMIA Foundation, Founder of the Shake & Shape Wellness Hub, and Director of 360° Business Management.
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Miss M. Nithya, Inspector of Police, AWPS Ooty Town.
Two sessions were organized to address different age groups, with one session for classes 6 to 8 and another for classes 9 to 12. The seminars were interactive and highlighted key areas of concern, including the POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences), Cyber Safety and responsible digital behaviour, Addictions and their impact on health and well-being, and the Reporting Mechanism through Childline 1098.
Inter-House English Poem Recitation Competition
The much-anticipated Inter-House English Poem Recitation Competition for Prep School was held on 9th September 2025, showcasing the literary prowess and creativity of our talented students. The event, marked by enthusiasm and competitive spirit, was judged by a distinguished panel comprising Ms. Sonali, Ms. Nidhi Mishra and Student Judge Gia John T.
Twenty Class V boys and girls brought to life the verses of literary giants like William Wordsworth, Ruskin Bond and Rabindranath Tagore, reciting each line with emotion and clarity. The competition was fierce, with each participant delivering their recitations with passion and poise. The Headmaster, the HOD of the English Department and the three judges appreciated the students and the announcers for their enthralling performance.
Following careful deliberation, the judges awarded the top honours as follows:
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First Place: Yashvi Agarwal – 5A
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Second Place: Mithran K – 5A
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Third Place: Ameya Mahwish Suri – 5C and Krithik Prasad – 5B
The overall House standings were:
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Vindhya House – 249 marks (First place) 5 Points
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Sumeru House – 232 marks (Second place) 3 Points
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Aravalli House – 224 marks (Third place) 2 Points
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Nilgiri House – 220 marks (Fourth place) 1 Point
The event was not just a competition but a celebration of the power of words and expression, leaving everyone inspired and eager to explore the world of poetry further.
Voices of Inspiration: Inter-House English Declamation 2025
The Inter-House English Declamation Competition was held on 9th September 2025 in the Senior School Large Hall. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from all four houses. The contestants delivered inspiring speeches of well-known personalities, impressing the audience with their clarity of thought, powerful expression, and confident delivery.
The competition was judged by Ms. Manmeet, Ms. Madhu, and Ms. Divya Punjabi, who evaluated the participants on content, voice modulation, presentation, and overall impact. At the end of the event, the Head of English Department, Mr. Gijo Joseph, announced the results and appreciated the contestants for their excellent effort and performance.
Individual Positions:
First Place: Aiyana Singh (Sumeru House)
Second Place: Namit D. Puttachi (Nilgiri House)
Third Place: Ananya Singh (Nilgiri House)
House Positions:
First Place: Sumeru House (245 points)
Second Place: Nilgiri House (244 points)
Third Place: Vindhya House (224.5 points)
The competition concluded with applause for all the participants, who were praised for their eloquence and stage presence.
CM Trophy Athletics Championship 2025
Kavya Patel of The Lawrence School, Lovedale, showcased exceptional strength and technique to secure the Silver Medal in the Discus Throw (Under-19 Boys) category at the CM Trophy Athletics Championship held on 8th September 2025 at HADP Stadium, Ooty. Competing against top athletes from 20 schools, Kavya’s stellar performance brought pride and honor to his school, reinforcing their tradition of excellence in athletics.
TEDx Lawrence School 2025 – “Challenging the Impossible”
The third edition of TEDx Lawrence School was successfully held on 6th September 2025 in the Large Hall at 4:00 PM, bringing together a diverse group of speakers and an enthusiastic audience for an evening of powerful ideas and thought-provoking conversations.
A TEDx event is a local, independently organized version of the global TED Talks, following the same spirit of “ideas worth spreading.” Speakers deliver impactful talks ranging from 5 to 18 minutes, sharing personal stories, breakthrough ideas, and bold visions with the goal of inspiring their communities.
This year’s theme, “Challenging the Impossible,” encouraged speakers and attendees alike to reflect on how determination, courage, and creativity can overcome the most daunting obstacles.
Guest Speakers:
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Ms. Pavithra Yudhishter – Shared her journey of resilience and leadership.
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Ms. Alina Alam – Spoke on creating social impact through innovation and empathy.
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Mr. P. N. Nayak – Offered insights into breaking conventional barriers in pursuit of excellence.
Teacher Speaker:
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Ms. Nidhi Mishra – Delivered a heartfelt and inspiring talk, urging both students and educators to push past limitations and reimagine possibilities.
Student Speakers:
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Sanjay Roshan – Spoke passionately about challenging personal and academic boundaries.
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Bismi Aqib – Shared a moving perspective on identity, growth, and the courage to dream beyond limits.
The event offered a platform not only for storytelling but also for fostering curiosity, creativity, and a sense of community. From overcoming personal challenges to reshaping societal norms, each speaker embodied the spirit of the theme.
TEDx Lawrence School 2025 was more than just an event—it was a celebration of voices that dared to believe in the impossible.
Report on the Visit of the Class of 1965 – 60th Reunion
On September 6th, the original Founders’ Day of the Lawrence School, Lovedale, the class of 1965 returned to campus to mark their 60th reunion.
The group assembled at the Flagstaff and then proceeded to the Front Lawns, where they were warmly received over morning tea with the Headmaster, Deputy Headmaster and the senior school students. The interaction provided a meaningful exchange of memories and reflections across generations.
The alumni then embarked on a campus walkabout, revisiting familiar places and reliving moments from their school days of six decades ago. Lunch was served at the Junior School dining hall, followed by a visit to the Cemetery.
A special highlight of the day was the hymn-singing session with the Prep School children in the PS Large hall, which the class of 65 thoroughly enjoyed. The innocence and energy of the young students left the old Lawrencians deeply moved.
The Class of 1965 departed with their hearts full, rekindling cherished memories and reaffirming their lifelong bond with their alma mater.
Teachers’ Day Celebration 2025
The Teachers’ Day Cultural Programme was held on 13th September 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the SS Large Hall. Students put together a delightful evening to honour their teachers and express heartfelt gratitude through music, dance, and humour.
The programme began with an elegant invocation dance, followed by a series of vibrant class-wise performances to popular Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu songs. Instrumental pieces on the piano, guitar, saxophone, and trumpet, along with soulful vocal renditions, added a special charm to the evening. A stand-up comedy segment presented in the form of an awards ceremony brought laughter and energy to the audience. The event truly reflected the students’ admiration and appreciation for their teachers.
Onam Celebration at Prep School – 5th September 2025
The spirit of Onam was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Prep School on 5th September 2025. The event took place in the large hall and was beautifully presented by the students of Dorm IV.
The celebration began with two engaging videos – one showcasing the scenic beauty and rich culture of Kerala’s tourism, and the other highlighting the significance and traditions of the Onam festival. This was followed by a soulful rendition of an Onapattu and an elegant performance of Thiruvathirakali, capturing the essence of Kerala’s cultural heritage.
The event was graced by the presence of the Mr Rajan Narayanan the Deputy Headmaster, Ms Bindu Dilip Kumr the MIC Girls School, and the Prep School MIC, Ms. Anita Prabhu whose presence added to the festive spirit.
The celebration concluded with a traditional and delicious Onam Sadya, enjoyed by all. Special thanks go to Ms Rekha for her meticulous planning and guidance, and to Ms Anju Gijo for her unwavering support throughout the event.
Lawrence School Boys Shine at Inter School Athletics Championship 2025
The Lawrence School, Lovedale, delivered an outstanding performance at the Inter School Athletics Championship (Boys) 2025, held from 1st to 4th September at MRC, Wellington. Competing against athletes from around 20 schools, the boys demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and sportsmanship.
Medal Winners:
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Kavya Patel showcased remarkable strength and consistency by winning two Silver Medals — one in Discus Throw and another in Shot Put in the Under-19 Boys category.
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AS Aryan soared to success with a Silver Medal in High Jump in the Under-14 Boys category, demonstrating great agility and focus.
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Routhran exhibited speed and determination to clinch the Bronze Medal in the 400m race, also in the Under-14 Boys category.
Inter-House Junior School Humanities Quiz – Epoch Echoes
The Department of Humanities successfully conducted Epoch Echoes, an Inter-House Humanities Quiz for Junior School, on 1st September 2025. The event featured five exciting rounds covering history, geography, polity, current affairs, and an engaging audio-visual round. A unique highlight was the helpline feature in the AV round, allowing teams to consult audience-nominated helpers.
The quiz lasted 60 minutes and was marked by enthusiastic participation and intellectual engagement from both participants and the audience.
Results:
1st Place – Sumeru House (115 points)
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Aahana Agarwal (8D)
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Sahastrajit Patankar (7D)
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Agatha S. Dutta (7C)
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J Tharun Sarwin (6A)
2nd Place – Nilgiri House (90 points)
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Aarav Easwar (8A)
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Pratyush Chaudhary (8B)
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M. Ananyaa (8B)
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K.S Kamalika (7C)
3rd Place – Aravali House (50 points)
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Visruth Arun (8A)
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Nara Samhitha (8B)
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Ayaan Vashista (7A)
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Devanshi Saraf (7B)
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Rising Strong: U-14 Girls' Hockey Team Shines at Jindal Tournament
The Under-14 Girls’ Hockey Team proudly represented the school at the prestigious Inter-School Girls’ Hockey Tournament hosted by Vidya Devi Jindal School, Hisar. Competing against nine top teams from across India, the girls demonstrated grit, teamwork, and resilience.
Placed in a challenging pool of four, the team, led by Captain Rabhya Jha (Grade 9) and Vice-Captain Porkodi Inbathtamilan (Grade 8), played with exceptional focus and spirit. A narrow loss in the semi-finals against Mayo College Girls’ School, Ajmer, only fueled their determination. They bounced back to win the hard-line match against YPS Patiala, securing an impressive 3rd place finish.
Notable Achievements:
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Rabhya Jha, Ileesha Mishra, and Samagayni were selected for the School Games Federation of India (SGFI).
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Gaurika was named standby.
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Ileesha Mishra received the Best Defender of the Tournament award.
Beyond the field, the tournament was a time of bonding, growth, and unforgettable experiences. The team returned not only with a trophy, but with lasting memories and a renewed passion for the game.
Smashing Success with Spirit - SGFI Badminton Tournament
The Boys' Badminton Team showcased skill and sportsmanship at the IPSC Badminton Tournament 2025 in Indore, earning the Fair Play Award for exemplary discipline. Congratulations to Namith D Putachi for being selected to represent IPSC at the upcoming SGFI Badminton Tournament.
Team Lawrence Shines at Nilgiri District Badminton Tournament 2025!
Dominating the court at Anna Stadium, Ooty, our boys and girls secured 19 titles across multiple categories, showcasing talent, teamwork, and determination. A proud moment for Lawrence.
