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.)