The Old Sanawarian Society (OSS), is the Alumni Association of The Lawrence School, Sanawar, the oldest co-educational residential school in India (founded in 1847) that continues to rank among the best.
The OSS founded in 1914 by Rev. George Dunsford Barne CIE OBE (Principal 1912–1932) has grown exponentially and today, boasts of approx. 6000 life members.
OS Reunions and Associations were started in UK (’40s), Delhi (’50s), Defence centres and Chandigarh(’60s), Bombay, Calcutta, Shimla, Canada, Dubai, USA and Europe.
The first President of the OS Society was elected at Founders 1979. A year-of-leaving wise 1947-79 OS listing was soon printed, correspondence initiated to get updated addresses, bank account opened at Sanawar and the Associations within India regularised as Chapters. By 1982 an initial directory was compiled, old staff contacted, Delhi reunion dinners enlarged, OS gifts for all stage performances at Founders and fund raising for Sanawar systemised.
From 1985, initiatives accelerated: the first cross-reference computerised Directory; an OS Newsletter; the highly outstanding and acclaimed OS Polo-playing fraternity moved to include a Sanawar Polo match in the Indian Polo Association’s annual calendar (with sponsorships, trophies and brochures); OS Career Counseling at Sanawar; formalising of Sood’s annual Cricket match; Cricket-cum-counseling by the St. Stephen’s College faculty; interaction with Lawrence School Lovedale and the London OS; identity tags and vehicle parking labels at Founders; and Souvenir production for the Tuck Shop.
A major innovation came in 1989 with the formation of the Nominating Committee. Elections were held separately within each 5-year block, guaranteeing involvement and participation by all OS age categories.
From 1991 Directories/Supplements were annualised, the Society’s Rules & Regulations updated, society registration process revived, coordination set up with Sanawar parents, recompositing of The Lawrence School Sanawar Society and Board of Governors initiated with the Government of India Ministry of Education. Founder’s programme finalised annually in consultation with The OS Society, and communication started with OS abroad and directly with Present Sanawarians through The Sanawar Newsletter.
The OS Society was eventually registered as a formal body in 1996. Simultaneously the new Executive took on the task of broad basing the Nominating Committee of the OS Society, as well as motivating the members of the Society to play an active role in the affairs of the Society.
The Lawrence School Sanawar Society which manages the School through its Board of Governors was reconstituted on September 9, 1997.
The Society aims to benefit the alma mater and foster camaraderie, encourage networking and strengthen bonds amongst its fraternity, spread across the globe.
