Manik Mahajan Ex Sh who left school in 1992 after class X reminisced wistfully “I miss the calm and cool atmosphere of the Astachal: the perfect way to end the day amidst the scenic beauty of the setting sun and the mystical heights of the hills before us. The prayerful chants and a minute of meditation would take us to a 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 reverence and the answer would undoubtedly be the astachal.

The earliest evening assemblies at the Scindia School followed the routine of the Sardar School with two separate assemblies, one for the Hindus and the other for the Muslims. These two separate communal prayer groups were rightly considered a glaring anachronism and the decision was taken to move forward to one common evening assembly for all. Hence a small meeting was convened by the Principal, Mr. FG Pearce, in his garage, where he and his senior colleagues gave concrete shape to the new concept. And thus the Astachal was born in a garage.

Efforts were then made to look for a suitable and tranquil place for the new prayer ground. The area along the western face of the hill was agreed upon by all and Mr. Thakar offered to produce a clay model for the structure. The model was approved and work started on it. The structure was completed in 1943. The prayer place 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. This was made by the young Bengali sculptor, Sriyut Rudrappa, of the Kanyashala in Gwalior. He agreed to cast a cement 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 to the habit of silent communion of the individual with himself. This is supported occasionally by both vocal and instrumental music, reading or recitation of poems, passages from modern or classical literature, brief speeches by distinguished visitors or our own teachers etc. followed by a few minutes of silence as we watch the sun setting behind the hills. On 15th August, 26th January and Gandhi Jayanti the entire school gathers at 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 which adds a mystic aura to the entire experience.