24th October 2009 - The Scindia School

Fort FablesAstachalManik Mahajan Ex Sh who left school in 1992 after class X reminisced wistfully “I miss the calm and coolatmosphere of the Astachal: the perfect way to end the day amidst the scenic beauty of the setting sun andthe mystical heights of the hills before us. The prayerful chants and a minute of meditation would take us toa surreal realm, something that we sorely miss in a bustling metropolis and with our breakneck schedule.”He is not alone to feel so. Ask any Scindian what is it about the School which inspires the greatest reverenceand the answer would undoubtedly be the astachal.The earliest evening assemblies at the Scindia School followed the routine of the Sardar School with twoseparate assemblies, one for the Hindus and the other for the Muslims. These two separate communal prayergroups were rightly considered a glaring anachronism and the decision was taken to move forward to onecommon evening assembly for all. Hence a small meeting was convened by the Principal, Mr. FG Pearce, inhis garage, where he and his senior colleagues gave concrete shape to the new concept. And thus the Astachalwas born in a garage.Efforts were then made to look for a suitable and tranquil place for the new prayer ground. The area alongthe western face of the hill was agreed upon by all and Mr. Thakar offered to produce a clay model for thestructure. The model was approved and work started on it. The structure was completed in 1943. The prayerplace was christened Astachal as jointly suggested by Mrs. Pearce and Mr. K.C. Shukla.In 1948 it was decided to add a larger than life statue of Gandhiji to it as a symbol of the eternal seeker. Thiswas made by the young Bengali sculptor, Sriyut Rudrappa, of the Kanyashala in Gwalior. He agreed to cast acement statue on the condition that proper arrangements should be made for its safe transport to the Fort.Once the statue was finished and ready to be installed this feat was duly accomplished.The aim behind astachal was to have the whole senior school sitting together and giving prominence tothe habit of silent communion of the individual with himself. This is supported occasionally by both vocaland instrumental music, reading or recitation of poems, passages from modern or classical literature, briefspeeches by distinguished visitors or our own teachers etc. followed by a few minutes of silence as we watchthe sun setting behind the hills. On 15th August, 26th January and Gandhi Jayanti the entire school gathersat the Astachal where inspirational passages are read and devotional songs are sung.The earlier practice of blowing the bugle at the beginning of the astachal has been revived this year whichadds a mystic aura to the entire experience.It seems that for learners (young and old) in the school, the astachal has proved to be a lasting gift-somethinglike a benediction which has found roots in individual psyches and lives. The divine experience at astachalis beautifully summed by Dr. Sudhir Singh Bloeria Ex Mj ’62 who says “What I miss most about the Schoolis the few minutes spent every evening at the Astachal. For the first time in life, the setting sun became areference point, a source of immense beauty and inspiration. I realized the importance of inner silence andcontemplation even if it was for a short duration.”The Scindia SchoolThe Fort, Gwalior - 474008.MP, INDIA.Telephone : +91-751-2480750Fax : +91-751-2480650E-mail : office@scindia.eduWebsite : www.scindia.edu