Tag Archives: Vivek Bhasin

OCA (United Kingdom) TRANSITION OF CHAIRMAN: Vivek Bhasin

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Dear Old Cottonians and Young Cottonians,

The United Kingdom Old Cottonians has been the senior most fraternity of all world OCA Chapters.This noble chapter has been held rock fast with the untiring, dedicated support and blessings of our Senior Cottonians who hold Bishop Cotton School at the forefront of their lives, living their days in the UK with sentimental reunions, memories of their time in the hills of Simla; memories of their time in India. Our Seniors have had steadfast support of their wives who became part of such a large family in the UK.

The annual reunion and get together in London; the last Saturday in June every year is a MUST. A day etched in stone by every OC; he arrives from all over the world to share and remember the common ground of  his beautiful Alma mater. He exchanges episodes and incidents in his life that  are invariably are coupled to Bishop Cotton School and other fellow OCs. Yes Old Cottonians never grow up!!!

Mr Kuljinder Bahia , an exceedingly remarkable Old Cottonian based in the UK has agreed to take over the reins of the OCA (UK) on 01 March 2012.

I am confident with his Chairmanship, the fraternity will go from strength to strength and prosper even further; opening its arms to the younger generation of Old Cottonians who arrive at the shores of the UK; to study, to work, to settle. Kuljinder will have the support of ALL Old Cottonians in the UK; especially Raj Lamba, Vinod Nanda*, Gursant Sandhu, Rana Datar, Sam Grewal. One must never forget Allan Gay Niblett, Peter Stringer, Arthur Jones, John Phillips, Allan Bapty, Anil Bhasin, Bob Myers, Puneet Singh, John Maclaughlin, Ken Richards, Daljit Jaijee, Mrinal Vijay, Sanjiv Talwar,Tony Sinha, Lamboo Evans, Vijay Bhalaik, Jogi Chahal, Paddy Singh, Dr Aulakh, Fred Hardy, John Whitmarsh Knight , Homer and David Gill and a host of others who have given so much to the cause of the OCA (UK); they will continue to do so for Kuljinder Bahia.

All what remains for me to convey are my Best Wishes and continued onwards success of this wonderful and great fraternity

I was priviledged to be part of this chapter for 13 years. I will be returning to India in the next 6 weeks and will give as much time as possible to the OCA (India), Bishop Cotton School and Old Cottonians. I hope to work with my Brother Sharat Bhasin (Lefroy 1965-1975) and also look at opportunities in emerging India.

Allan Gay Niblett, Honorary Life Chairman (OCA) United Kingdom will be representing the fraternity as Chief Guest at the OCA (India) luncheon on 19th Feb 2012. He will be carrying with him all good wishes from the Old Country!!!  For me; I will be missing this grand reunion in New Delhi for the first time in 25 years….

God Bless the OCA United Kingdom and its newest and young Chairman  Kuljinder Bahia.

Vivek
Capt. Vivek C. Bhasin
Lefroy 1961-1970
Chairman (OCA UK)

* (This letter is also dedicated in loving memory of the departed, wonderful Mother of Vinod Nanda; committe member; fellow Lefroyan, a Cottonian with Guts, a Cottonian with compassion, A true friend. May the soul of his Mother rest in peace.)

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The Collins English Gem (Pocket) Dictionary . . . .

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. . . . (Latest Print  1967)* and ‘The People who reside within it’ *
- By Vivek Bhasin

On Page 209 ( Fray through fret)  lives one Cuneyt Erturhan: year 1995
This Johnny was a sprightly young Turk who made sure that whenever my ship sailed into the port of Gemlik, Turkey he was there to process all documents and clear us inwards. He was a genuine piece and very sincere. Gemlik is situated south of Istanbul and many long evenings into early mornings were spent in the city of Bursa, enjoying Kebabs , Raka and those wispy belly dancers swaying to infectious sounds. Coming back on board in those early hours I would smell strong coal fires; this was the winter of 1995 and the range of mountains in the distant were covered with snow. Cuneyt lives on and works his pretty ass off, a good human being; sadly he never came back on to my ship as when we sailed we never returned.

On Page 243 (heaven through heliostat) lives one Mohammed A.S. Jubair: Year 1994
Mohammed  Jubair was Vice-President of Jubair Trading Company that was established in 1923. The company owned  Pomegranate Soft Drink,  Zingy  Soft Drink,  Great Whale Transport and purchased 100 forty foot containers of Bananas every week; Bananas that my ship bought in to the Port of Lattakia, Syria. The Bananas were further transported by land to Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and even more far off places deep into the Middle East.  If ever there was a kind hearted soul it was Mr. Mohammed Jubair. Every two weeks when we arrived he sent his Mercedes ( Stretched ) to pick me up and take me out to Dinner. Fresh Red Snapper was my favourite and we enjoyed many evenings looking over the sandy beach into the stillness of the Mediterranean. And though that was not enough Mohammad always invited me home to meet the family and his beautiful wife.  Opulence is a tame word if one has to describe the Jubair Mansion. Arabian Nights and much more. With Chandeliers specially manufactured by Swarovski, the softest of carpets made from Pashmina, the beautiful oil paintings that he had won at auctions from Sotheby’s London and this exquisite life size painting of his wife. Gold plated faucets, mineral water from Hawaii and Coffee, pure Jamaican Blue Mountain. To further rock my senses he proudly showed me his own private Zoo.  Gorillas from Africa, Pythons, Lions, Pandas, Macaws, Peacocks and Pumas and yes two crocodiles from India… .’ I love them all very much, Captain Vivek’. I bet he did as I always jumped up from bed when the sea was rough and remembered those ‘snappers’!!

On page 275 ( inveigle through iridium) lives Manvendra Singh : Year on Year on Year
True Cottonian. Now based in Mumbai, he works for Air France. In fact I spoke to him yesterday; he was in Delhi. The last two times we met were when he accompanied my brother and me to Hardwar in May 2008 with my Father’s ashes, and  when my daughter got married on April 04th 2010. But regardless the connection is instant, never loss of recognition but a joy to hear each other again.

On Page 307 ( lorgnette through low) lives Carlos H.Ochoa: Year 1990-1995
A man of leisure. Loads of Moola, Doe, Cash. Monte Cristo Cigars, Courvoisier Brandy, Gucci shoes, Creed Cologne and a beautiful wife by his side who flies to Paris to get her hair in coiffure every fourteen days. She has an hour glass figure just as Don Carlos is rotund and lumpy but the way they glide and slide on the dance floor, be it the salsa or meringue, they sure do turn each other on and me!. Carlos owned the biggest boat docked at the Cartagena Marina and invited all his other (Rich) friends for a spin of Blue Marlin Fishing. A true Colombian he has invited me a zillion times to travel through that amazing country and see the sights of so many beautiful widows; their ferocious husbands all wasted by the drug cartels of Medellin, Cali and Bucaramanga. Boy do I love Colombia!!  He promised I would be safe in his armour plated Hummer. Carlos I am told, now shuttles between Key Largo, Coral Gables and his beloved Cartagena.

On page 411 ( proportion through protect) lives Capitan Odd Viste (Year 1990-2003)
Odd still lives in the Collins Gem, although he is no more. A Dane by birth he navigated the oceans; married, had children, sent them back to Copenhagen to study and get a better life ( his wife died before him); so just as they all do, he married a slender smashing Air Hostess twenty five years his junior. She is Ecuatoriana so what option does a man have when tropical lush Ecuador beckons. He built a house in Guayaquil and became of a collector of Guns. From Uzi to AK 47 he collected them all, from Lugers to Smith & Wesson’s were his wife’s passion; she really was a pistol packin’ senorita. They always took me to El Caracole Azul (The Blue Shell) restaurant famous for its Fish, more so for its famous Chilena owner. I never got into his hobby of becoming a Gun Collector ( though the thought of becoming a Bounty Hunter did excite me when I saw ‘Last Train to Yuma’) I remained content with my possessions of Ecuadorian Panama Hats and a beautiful Oil Painting that hangs on the wall in Mashobra. God Bless Odd Viste’s soul.

On Page 503 ( stalking-horse through star) resides Capt. Ronald Dull: Year 1990-1994
A pilot on the St. John’s River leading up to  the Port of Jacksonville, Florida where my ship docked every two weeks. Jacksonville, largest city in the United States and I visited that port 85 times during the years from 1990 to 1994. Ron-Dull always looked forward to taking my ship in; he was as young as me and kept me updated on the events at the weekend. My emphasis was on Hard Rock Concerts and many I have witnessed in the flesh out there.    David Bowie, Blue Oyster Cult, Steppenwolf, Deep Purple and Peter Frampton. Well if Ron Dull is my age, he is still there. Clambering aboard those giant ships approaching the eastern seaboard of the US, safely guiding them in. Though I am not sure if the Captains on board ask him the latest Rock News .

On Page 549 ( tricolor through tritium) lives Gulay Gonen: Year 1995
Her card states CEO of a company called ECG Bilgi Islem, based in Bursa Turkey. She was an IT expert and worked and updated our ship’s computers. I could always get a whiff of her presence even before she arrived on the Bridge; she smoked the strongest Turkish Cigarettes and those days smoking was not an offence ( just as it is today off New Delhi railway station). She was a wonderful and kind hearted lady and revealed a secret that must stand between her, me and us Cottonians. She was a member of the Masonic Lodge……. Nothing more can be revealed.

*Business Cards discovered in Vivek Bhasin’s Collins English Gem Pocket Dictionary that was given to him by his Mother in February 1968 when he entered Class SHELL. She wrote Vivek C. Bhasin, Bishop Cotton School, Simla-2 on the first page.  The dictionary that has travelled with him since then and now lives at his bedside in Weybridge, England.  ( 9th September 2011)

“Ingredients for a Real Close Shave” – writing by Vivek Bhasin

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Another good piece of writing by Vivek Bhasin:

Ingredients for A Real close shave……

..yes the Moon that evening was at its brightest; its closest in nineteen years so they say to Madre Tierra. Saturday 19th March 2011/1920 hrs. We sea dogs would called it perigee…..What a sight as I shot up the stairs off Embankment and took the Millenium Bridge and then walking at my own pace towards South Bank,  simply stunned by the magnamity yet peacefulness of the Bright Satellite.  I was coerced into buying a ticket for a Piano concert by Lola Perrin at the Purcell Hall…..and though her genre was classical and mine Pure Rock like Rata Blanca*, nonetheless I wanted to give her a chance to take a bit-o-cheese of my flesh….

Read / download the full document here

Greetings Old Cottonians World Wide:

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Greetings Old Cottonians World Wide: As you know I especially make it a point to visit India in February and coincide this visit with the OCA (India) luncheon. The 13th of Feb 2011 was a special occasion due to the fact the OCA (India) was celebrating 100 years and we all eagerly await the launch of the BCS souvenir/coffee-table book compiled by many OCs with KC  Anand orchestrating the full and final version.

The grounds of the Anand Corporate Office were pristine as always and the decor for the OCA lunch was tastefully done.   The Quality and Print of the Menu was of the highest standards that could be matched with the Dorchester or the Waldorf Astoria.    The food was exceptional and sumptuous and although I try to look after my delicate figure, I indulged in two helpings.

However the overall ambience was of a rather sombre note and for some reason ( that I unfortunately cannot not point out), the mood was low. I also believe the turnout expected was well below the minimum. Many Regular Old Cottonians residing in Delhi did not bother to attend. A few of the younger OCs did show up but as I repeat the air of joyful celebration of the OCA and our Alma Mater was definitely lacking. Possibly it could have been a low information flow locally, though the webmaster did post the same on the website a few weeks in advance.

Col Wendy Dewan was out of Station. From the Board of Governors only Anil (Dimpy Mehra) and BM Singh were in attendance.  Raja Vir Bhadra Singh did grace his presence and so did General Batra. I do not believe any other Board of Governor attended nor did the Head Master.

To celebrate the centenary of the OCA (India), this special day was of great significance.  For me to come to India and be present for the OCA lunch has always been a special occasion for me every year for many years. I love my School and so do all my Brother Cottonians.

Capt. Vivek Bhasin
Lefroy 1961-1970
Chairman OCA  UK Chapter

HOW DO YOU BECOME A WORLD BRAND?

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For me at least, my start and my present journey through my life, my family, my career and friends always and invariably has the umbilical cord connected to the heart beat of Bishop Cotton School.  I sometimes reflect on my present juncture and try to tick of  in my mental check list if what I am today, what I have done in the past and what sort of a person I have become has the grains of BCS imbibed in me.    Possibly yes in many ways.

The English alphabet and children’s nursery rhymes I was taught by my Mother in such a clever way that at the age of Five when I entered School I was supercharged with intelligence that I was given a double promotion to ‘Transition’….I had to work doubly as hard to ensure that when I finished Sixth Form I was barely 15 years old.

The love for American Wrigley’s and Rowntree Fruit Gum , Toblerone and Black Magic chocolates I got from my Father who always returned home after piloting the grand old cargo ships up the Hoogly River with these goodies for my Brother and I.

Nature Study I learnt from Mrs Advani; the ferns, the sweet peas, the dandelions and the rare four leafed clover.

The Beatles Abbey Road and the Red Coloured LP I first saw with Pawan ‘Aku’ Pawa.

English cut suits and patent leather shoes from Homer Gill.

The Love of Hot Bread with Sugar and boiled potatoes from the School Bakery and the Kitchen.

Commerce from Mr Malvea (and the Poetasters of Isphan; the Lefroy House play)

The map of India from Mr Mull who could draw it so beautifully on the black board, blind folded.

The art of beautiful writing from Mr Paul.

The art of crawling from Mr Bharpur Singh

..and the art of never getting caught, sliding down the Anderson Staircase or placing one foot in side the fountain by the Sly Gang: Father Bhasin-Anil Chopra and Prabuddha Singh…

The art of making traps: Michael Banon and Rajiv Pandit

The art of staying young: Krit Tippakorn

To read Shakepeare’s Macbeth by heart ..by Anil Mediratta and Karan Singh who used to rant it talking in their sleep.

..and profound apologies to Mr Bhasin ( and Raja Bhasin); his scooter ventured away from the straight and narrow, losing control finding its way to the Khuds…and we having to lift it on our backs and bring it back; feigning innocence.

The second lady I ever kissed at the age of Five, was Mrs Goss our Linlithgow matron ( before going to bed)  who insisted we do so after kneeling down, saying our prayers, our faces plastered with BCS vaseline

…But today with all those memories, tuition and wisdom intact..having visited 85 countries…and speaking 5 languages…feeling at home in Himachal, Rajasthan..England, Sweden, Costa Rica, Chile, Belgium and Italy to name a few, I feel the time has come to give back to my School.   To go and show the young men what the world is all about and what they can do about it…. As Cottonians we are part of that exclusive Club….we need to form a Network Club…to pool our resources and help each other FIRST…. The Old Boys Club is an established fact. Our own careers, our own businesses….within the pool we should first seek out another Cottonian and try to help, advise, assist in any way possible. This needs to be done.

…at least for me. When I walk up the gangway on to one of our super container ships, or enter the Board Room of my Company, or shrug down my bespoke suit and Tommy Hilfiger Ties with the green silk patch in my jacket; wash away the suave smell of Tuscany ( that I pinched from my brother)..and take on my Levis 517, a pink double cuff shirt, a paisley bandana, a borsolino hat, Grenson boots, a bespoke white leather belt from DaMilano, gel my hair..sitting behind the mixer console at the ‘Sound of Your Life’ taking the role of a Radio Presenter, playing a heavy track from Rata Blanca ( a hard rock act from Argentina)….changing my voice from the Queens English to A New York twang and then say Buenos Dias y Vaya con Dios*  and later Hej sa lange*…or being the MC at the Salaam Balak Trust’s ‘Salaam Rocks’……I AM NOT BLOWING MY TRUMPET.

I AM TELLING THE WORLD WHAT ALL I HAVE DONE AND WHAT ALL I STILL DO…AND WHAT ALL STILL NEEDS TO BE DONE. I MAY BE INDIAN, NATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL AND PROJECT MANY FACADES. HOWEVER I DO HAVE ONE PERMANENT DEPARTURE POINT; ONE PERMANENT BRAND.

…THE BRAND OF BISHOP COTTON SCHOOL….

(Some one needs to play the Chapel Piped Organ SO LOUD that the world gasps in admiration… All Good things should and must emanate from BCS)

Vivek Bhasin
Lefroy 1961-1970

* Buenos Dias y Vaya con Dios:     Good Morning and Go with God.(Espanol)
* Hej sa lange: See you soon again (Swedish)

OCA UK committee meeting – Feb 2011

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At the request of our new chairman Vivek Bhasin I attended a committee meeting on 12/2/11.  We gathered at the home of Vinod Nanda in Norwood Green, Southall, Middx.

Picture: Left to Right are : Vinod Nanda (L59-68) ~ Sam Grewal ~ John Whitmarsh-Knight  ~ Daljit Singh Jaijee (R47-54) ~ Raj Lamba (L49-59)  ~ Vivek Bhasin (L61-70) ~ Rana Data Singh (L 50s) ~  Gursant Sandhu (New Secretary).
Front : Gursaant Singh (C95-00) ~ Puneet Singh (C91-00, Treasurer).

Reunion Luncheon at the Bombay Brasserie is on 25 June 2011.

Best regards
Peter Stringer

Changes… Transitions…. [OCA UK]

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Saturday 26th June 2010:

Changes…Transition.
(Capt. Vivek Bhasin : Chairman OCA (UK Chapter)

From Kindergarden to Transition and then to Lower I……
Isn’t that’s the way all Cottonians start?
The OCA (UK) Chapter’s Annual Lunch at Bombay Brasserie was attended by 45 OCs and their wives; in my case my Mother and Brother ( an OC stalwart) accompanied me.
It was my Mother who packed my trunk and my bedding roll, gave me my red attache case and putting on me Black  ’ tuffies’ shoes from Bata, tying my laces put me on the Howrah-Kalka Mail on the 5th of March 1961……..at the age of FIVE……… The Old Cottonian   has come a long way.

Having accepted the position of Chairman of the Old Cottonians Association  United Kingdom on this date, I wish to first Thank all my Seniors; especially:

-Allan Gay Niblett-Chairman OCA (UK) who is now appointed as Honorary Life President; indeed the most remarkable and dedicated Chairman in the history of the Association. Unfailing in his responsibilities, he makes at least 12 trips a year to London from his Mallorca Home; nearly always at his own time and expense; personally writing such meaningful and intelligent letters in his most beautiful handwriting and ensuring that whatever he says…’will be done….for the Good of the OCA….for the Good of BCS’. To me he is a Father, a mentor and a true true friend. Christine….you are Beautiful.

-Peter Stringer-Secretary of the OCA (UK) who breathes the Simla Air and has dedicated his 150 years( yes he is 150)  for his love of BCS-he too has stepped down,( but I am not releasing him in a hurry). Peter lives in Whyteleafe and has steadily over time, built a small museum of BCS in his pretty home. Maggie his Dear Wife has given him a study where he sits, thinks, paints….Bishop Cotton forever…. To me he is my Rock of Ages.  Maggie we love you.

- Raj Lamba:   A Hard Core Cottonian who always supports and is part of the Committee….permanently.

- Vinod Nanda: The hardest of the core…..a fellow Lefroyian…..Guts and Glory……A committee member…permanently.  Over the last 10 years he has always been there..offering his home for us to attend meetings before we move on to an authentic north Indian khaana at Southall.  Rosy we appreciate it all…… we really do.

-Arthur Jones: A wonderful wonderful person…..always there; Peter Stringer’s true bother in arms…at home and in the pub……God! We do miss Shirley.

-Ken Richards:….motoring down from Marlborough….until… until then….we know how life goes through its changes…..the mind is willing but the body is weak….the last angrez speaking Hindustani…never forgotten.

- John & Katherine Phillips:  John… Tall, bold, Mighty……decisive….and the delicate but firm Katherine. The OCA (UK) will always need you…..for a lot more. Your hard work and sincerity is always appreciated.

- Peter Evans (Lamboo):…….He may live in Amsterdam….and is a more in-depth painter than Van Gogh….A PILLAR of BCS..ageless….forever. His strength is what drives all of us….onwards.

- Bob Myers: A tower of strength; his knowledge and planning excellence knows no bounds.  He too keeps BCS always on his mind…on his agenda.

-Shiela Reed: A true Lady Cottonian; yes she is. No doubt.

……and so so many more Seniors whose faces, whose actions,  I can never forget……    Dr Daljit Singh…never ever failing to be there. Thank you Sir.

Dr Humayun Khan……Hashim Khan Esq,…..in a complex world….you make it look …So Very Easy….

On behalf of ALL Cottonians far and wide…… I Salute You ALL.

AND NOW…….(into Transition to a newer and younger generation)…

-Young Puneet Singh:   The numbers Kid…..(Treasurer)….!!! A ROCK, BISON
-Young Gursant Singh…
-Young Gursant Sidhu…..
-Young Mrinal Vijay..
-Young Bunti Singh..
-Young Kuljinder Singh  Bahia…
-Young Rana Datar
-Young Bhawani Singh
-Young Mohit Chowdhury
-Young Marshal Brar
-Young Chaku Talwar
-Young Siddha
-Young Samson Rathur
-Young Ladinkima….

AND every  young, youthful OC who in a way is omnipresent here in the UK.

THIS IS A TIME FOR CHANGE. OUR SENIORS HAVE IN EVERY GRACIOUS MANNER MOVED TO EXHAULTED POSITIONS LEAVING US , THE YOUNGER OCs TO FURTHER CEMENT OUR ORGANISATION HERE IN THE UK.    FOR ME AS CHAIRMAN, I KNOW I NEED THE STRENGTH OF THE YOUNGER GENERATION……I BESEECH YOUR HELP…

We need to come together more often..
Very good suggestions and ideas flow from the young….We need to Listen, we need to sit together and make this work…..for ourselves, for future OCs and for Bishop Cotton School.

Lets also be frank and open.. We need Cottonians who have the infrastructure, organisation, financial capacity to come forward and assist whenever/wherever possible.

1. We need to have at least 4 to 6 get togethers here in London. Suggestions are Welcome!!
2. Culminate in the Annual Get Together on the Last Saturday of June every year..
3. As suggested the ‘out-of -towners’ and the younger chaps in College need to be supported by way of  subsidised travel/accommodation to attend the same.

In clear terms,   every OC in the UK is part and parcel of the Association. Every OC visiting the UK must make contact..
Networking plays a great part in today’s world.
The OCs worldwide form one of the greatest networks..we need to develop this further.

We are Blessed and Proud that  we were Born Cottonians.
Lets make the most of it! Help each other….Help our School  and enjoy ourselves

May God Bless the OCA (UK) and Bishop Cotton School.

My Sincerely Regards

Capt. Vivek Bhasin
Lefroy 1961-1970
Chairman
The Old Cottonians Association, United Kingdom

Four Pigeons

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Four Pigeons……

This is the story about Four Pigeons.

This is a factual story.

This is what really happened a few days ago.

This is what started in Bishop Cotton School a few days ago…

We made it up to the gates of School; 25th March 2010; 0815 is when chapel started. An Old Cottonian had come back home yet again; this time it was a special journey. To bring his daughter and future son-in-law to his alma mater. That they be blessed within the sanctity of his beautiful chapel. The cool air, the crystal blue skies and the start of spring…

‘’ My children live in Sweden; they were born, brought up and educated there. A blue and green country. Where the air is so pure you can float as you walk, the forests so green and the paths so soft, one can feel how rich the environment is; well preserved, well protected. I know this is the least I can do for them; to make a small connection to my Bishop Cotton School; I hope and pray that the spirit of our founder and the spirit and brother hood of my brother Cottonians will always protect them where ever they will be ‘’

Headmaster Roy Christopher Robinson and Reverend Halder conducted the service and my words above were whispered to the congregation; we were called to the alter and beautiful words delivered; I was deeply touched. All heads bowed, deep in prayer.

03rd April 2010: Four Pigeons were delivered to me. White as snow; red eyes; fluttering…

04th April 2010: Three pigeons made the journey to Neemrana Fort & Palace, Rajasthan. They arrived in a large pink cage and were carefully taken along the high walled entrance and placed in the cool reception. That evening my daughter became a wife; her fiancé became my son-in-law. It was a perfect setting. My daughter looked stunning; my son-in-law felt even taller that his six feet, six inches. My brother, his son, my son and I were in pink raw silk, heavy silver paisleys and purple turbans…..the music rose from the base of the fort and wafted along the walls and floated up the stars. The pigeons slept.

05th April 2010: A small gathering in the morning at Neemrana. A small prayer; a hymn; I tried to say a few words but choked with emotion…..We placed the Pink Cage on the green patch of grass. The first pigeon was handed over to my daughter. She released the beautiful bird…it rose and landed close to her feet…refusing to fly. One by one the other two were released….finally all three white birds soared into the sky. We saw them flying in circles with the other grey pigeons and then no more.

The marriage contingent parted…..some went home and some like us went to search for The Tiger in Ranthambore. We were lucky…the beautiful feline emerged at 0645 hrs and we were silenced in awe! What a magnificent sight!! …The Pigeons still played on my mind.

9th April 2010/1830 hrs : The Swedish contingent were all packed….I gave a call to Roy Christoper Robinson. We exchanged pleasantries …….

’ Vivek’  he said……… ‘ The Three pigeons have come back home to BCS’

…..that was all.

Vivek Bhasin
Lefroy 1961-1970

Dedicated to the Four Pigeons; the Four Spirits of Cottonians. Three Cottonians flew back home.

The fourth: His soul flies over Simla and soars to great heights……he will never descend but continues to protect my children, your children and the future children of Bishop Cotton School.

Thanks to Roy Christoper Robinson: A world authority on Pigeons.