Shimla, Aug 3 (Reporter) In the serene village of Samej, nestled by a tributary of the Satluj, a cloudburst on August 1 turned a joyous day into a tragic nightmare. The Government Senior Secondary School and Primary School, once bustling with the laughter and energy of children, now lie in ruins, engulfed by debris and despair. Just days before the disaster, the students of Samej School celebrated a hard-earned victory, proudly winning a trophy in an under-19 tournament. Among these jubilant victors were Preetika, Ritika, Anjali, Jiya, Arun, Radhika, Aarushi, and Yogpriya, aged between ten and twelve. They decided to stay the night at the school on July 31, too late to make the long journey back to their homes. Little did they know that their temporary shelter would become their final resting place. As the cloudburst unleashed its fury, the school buildings crumbled, and the once lively playground was buried under heaps of stones and mud. The principal, Kamalanand, is heartbroken, recounting how these bright young students brought laurels to the school through their dedication and talent. "They had just returned victorious from the state-level competition. Now, our school stands desolate, and we are left grappling with the loss of our beloved students," he said, his voice choked with emotion. Photos of the children receiving their prize are circulating on social media, a haunting reminder of the vibrant lives cut short. The entire community, including the teachers, is in mourning. Tears flow freely as they remember the children who once filled the school with their dreams and aspirations. For three days, the desperate search for the missing students continued. Family members, their eyes wet with tears, scoured the ravine, hoping against hope for a miracle. but the harsh reality remains: no trace of the children has been found. The only remnant of their presence is the trophy found buried in the debris, a silent testament to their achievements. The school, now deemed unsafe, faces an uncertain future. Discussions are underway to determine where the remaining 72 students will continue their education. But the void left by Preetika, Ritika, Anjali, Jiya, Arun, Radhika, Aarushi, and Yogpriya is irreplaceable. As the village of Samej mourns its loss, it stands as a stark reminder of nature's unpredictable and often cruel hand. The community would carry the memory of these young lives, their dreams forever etched in the hearts of those who knew and loved them...////...