OCA (India) Executive Committee met on May 9, 2013
MINUTES of MEETING will be posted
Monthly Archives: May 2013
BCS students on exchange to Marlborough College
Click for a larger view
A milestone was reached on Sunday 5 May 2013 when the first two BCS boys on a Student Exchange Programme entered Marlborough College.
The School Captain, Raghav Gandhi and his friend Manvendra Tomar, a Prefect of the school, arrived at Heathrow Airport at 7 a.m. that Sunday morning. They were met by John Whitmarsh-Knight, who took them to his home to await collection by taxi for their journey to Marlborough College.
Mr Mark McVeigh, the College International Liaison Coordinator, saw them settled into their respective Houses for a good night’s sleep, before getting into the School routine the next day.
The boys, who are wonderful ambassadors for BCS, have been shown tremendous kindness and help and been made to feel absolutely at home from the moment of their arrival. Doubtless they will have their stories to tell when their all-too-brief stay is over.
I travelled over from Mallorca to see them but could not do so until the Sunday as they went on a School trip to Bristol all day on Saturday.
On Sunday I was invited, with them, to the home of Mr and Mrs McVeigh for Sunday lunch. Two girls from Waterford School, South Africa, on a similar exchange programme, also joined us. After a delicious meal, we three OCs watched the Old Marlburians playing cricket. The day was completed when we went for a curry at the Raj Indian restaurant, where we were joined by Mr Martin Evans, Secretary of the Marlburian Club.
On the Monday and Tuesday both boys went up to London to enjoy the experience of the ‘big city’. A few days later – on 25 May – they returned home, after a memorable time.
Many people have been involved in this programme. From B.C.S., the Headmaster, Mr Roy Robinson and his able Assistant Praveen Dharma. Old Boy K.C. Anand has helped liaising between School, parents and the British High Commissioner to obtain visas and saw them onto the plane at Delhi Airport. Mr Deep C. Anand has cemented the relationship between the two schools, hosting a Reception for the Master of Marlborough College, Mr Jonathan Leigh and his wife Emma. Present at the Reception, along with Old Boys and their wives, were two Marlburians on the Exchange Programme – Hugo Wilson and Sam Green – who, having been accommodated at Mr Deep C. Anand’s guest quarters in Gurgaon, were then accompanied up to Shimla for their stay at B.C.S. We hope to see them and their two predecessors from the year before – Rory Manley and Max Adams – at the OCA Lunch on 29 June at the Bombay Brasserie.
From Marlborough, the newly appointed Master – Jonathan Leigh – took immediate interest and through Mr Mark McVeigh, the successor to Larry Lamont, the programme was put in place. Mr Martin Evans, Secretary of the Marlburian Club, has kept an eye on the programme and with Jane Pendry – Alumni Relations Manager- ensured that the exchange has featured in the Marlburian Magazine and Newsletter.
Last but not least we are grateful to Mr John Whitmarsh-Knight, who has spent several spells in BCS teaching the boys – amongst them Raghav Gandhi and Manvendra Tomar – for his support and wonderful act of meeting the boys at the unearthly hour of 7 a.m. in London.
We must now look forward to the repeat of this Exchange on a yearly basis – with longer time being spent in Marlborough and eventually the exchange of teachers being added to the programme.
With our sincere thanks to all those involved for their time, effort and keen interest in the success of the exchange.
With best wishes
Gay Niblett
Hon. Life President OCA (UK)
OCs Week 2013
As per BCS fixture card, the OC Week begins 29th May and the schedule is:
- 29/05/13
Past v Present matches from 10:00 AM onwards
Basketball and all racquet games followed by
Annual School fete from 12.30 to 3.30 PM.
Rock Show by Rodrigues Chandigarh Band at 7:00 P.M
- 30/05/13
Past v Present
Hockey and Football matches from 10 AM.
Annual Junior School concert at 5 PM.
Headmaster’s Dinner, after the Junior School concert.
- 31/05/13
Annual Cricket match School Team v OCs at 10 AM.
OC dinner is scheduled for the 31st of May, 8 P.M. at Marina Hotel (old Marina). It is newly renovated and has parking facility. Tentatively Rs. 1200 per OC, Children below 8-10 yrs free, OCs over 70 no charges and spouses/partners/ friends at Rs. 800. (Rates not fixed but will be around this point). - 1/06/13
Annual Speech day at 9 AM
Barford lunch 4th May 2013
Gathering of some older Old Boys with their Juniors on Saturday 4th May at Sheila Reed’s house in Barford, Warwickshire
Sheila Reed keeping up the tradition started with her late husband Bobby (Rivaz 4-47) hosted her annual lunch at her lovely home in Barford on a bright but nippy day. There were 25 people in all, including her family who have become intergrated with the OCA. Sheila’s daughter Jancis provided a delicious selection of home-made puddings to set off the rest of the feast.
OCs and wives present were ‘Jogi’ Chahal and Dorothy, Ian Johnson and Barbara.Raj Lamba, ‘Bambi’ Maljumdar and Susan, Gay Niblett, John Phillips and Catherine, Peter Stringer and Maggie, Paddy Singh and Daniela, and Brian Moray and Pru.
The men were kept away from their wives to save blushes from the intimate conversations, not to mention the jokes flowing from the conservatory where the ladies were gathered. Or was it the other way around-my short term memory leaves me doubtful…
Suffice to say that, with the ready flow of wine and beer, a great time was had by all. Those having to travel by car left in the evening, the others returned next morning for a farewell ‘coffee and buns’. All looked forward to meeting up again at the Bombay Brasserie in London on Saturday 29th June.
Our sincere thanks to Sheila and her family for their kindness, hospitality and the superb organization, which makes this such a delightful precursor to the AGM at the end of June,
GAY NIBLETT
Kurt Mitson
Received from Mr. Robinson – Headmaster of BCS headmaster@bishopcotton.com
OBITUARY
Kurt Mitson was born in Kharagpur, in West Bengal on the 19th April, 1981. His early education was at La Martiniere College for Boys, Lucknow and he later graduated from Pune University. He was married to Banita Mitson. Kurt Mitson served as a Junior School Teacher at Bishop Cotton School from March 2009 till December 2010. He was last working at Don Bosco, Siliguri.
Kurt Mitson passed away on the 9th of May, 2013 at a tender age of 32. He is deeply missed by his wife, mother, sister, brother and other members of the family. He will be remembered with sincere gratitude by all the staff & students at Bishop Cotton School, Shimla.
Tentative Fixtures and Participation / OCA (India) Northern Chapter’s Silver Jubilee Celebration
OCA (India) Northern Chapter’s Silver Jubilee Celebration.
17th, 18th, 19th & 20th October, 2013
OCA (India), Northern Chapter
House N0. 751,Sector-8-B,Chandigarh-160008,India
Ph: 91-172-5071931,4009932 (Office), Mobile: 09316131741
Email: ocanorthernchapter@yahoo.com
Tentative fixtures for the Celebration are as follows:
At Chandigarh on Thursday, 17th October, 2013
- Golf Tournament in Chandigarh to be played between the alumni of Bishop Cotton School, Sanawar, Doon School and Mayo College.
- Dinner organised by the Northern Chapter.
At Simla on Friday, 18th till Sunday, 20th October, 2013
- One Act Play by the boys of Bishop Cotton School.
- Dinner hosted by OCA (India) Himachal Chapter.
- Rock Concert by the boys of Bishop Cotton School.
- Diner hosted by the Head Master Bishop Cotton School.
- Chapel service.
- Sporting events ( Football / Basket Ball / Cricket)
- Award giving ceremony for Best Faculty member.
Note: Efforts are on to have some more activities during the celebration period. Information on the same would be forwarded as and when they are finalized.
Contribution Amount
a) College going OC’s = Rs. 1000/-
b) College going OC’s with spouse or partner = Rs. 2000/-
c) Single OC’s = Rs. 2000/-
d) OC’s with spouse or partner = Rs. 3000/-
Your contributions may be sent to the address of the OCA (India) Northern Chapter through Cheque/Demand Draft drawn in favour of OCA(India)Northern Chapter, payable at Chandigarh along with your participation form duly filled.
Overseas Trip
On popular demand an overseas trip of 4 nights & 5 days to Thailand is being planned which would take place a little before or after the Celebration and would cost approx. Rs. 40,000-50,000 per head all inclusive. All those OC’S desirous of being a part of this trip are requested to forward their interest through email. You have the option to travel single or with your spouse/partner. Approximately 30 OC’s have already confirmed, so hurry up.
Mobilization of Funds
The OCA (India) Northern Chapter in consultation with the Head Master has decided to start an annual Best Faculty Award. OC’s are requested to kindly come forward and lend a shoulder to make this project fructify by contributing approximately Rs. 10,000/- per head towards establishing a corpus of Rs. 10 Lakhs, the interest of which would help towards furnishing a cash award of Rs. 1 Lakh. along with the trophy to the deserving faculty member annually. Your contributions may be sent to the address of the OCA (India) Northern Chapter through Cheque/Demand Draft drawn in favour of OCA(India)Northern Chapter, payable at Chandigarh.
Travel & Accommodation
All OC’s transiting through Chandigarh to Simla without their own transportation would be provided transportation to Simla on seat in coach basis.Hotels are being identified to offer favorable tariffs in Chandigarh and in Simla.OC’s homes are also being identified to provide accommodation.at Chandigarh and at Simla.Do send your request through email to the Northern Chapter should you require any assistance.
Song Book
The OCA ( India) Northern Chapter is preparing a song book which would also carry the contact details of all OC’s . Since the contact details of a lot of OC’s have changed, you are therefore requested to kindly forward your contact details along with details of any OC who may not be receiving our communication. Please send the following information through email: Name, Batch, House, Address, Email ID & Contact numbers.
Thanking you,
Ajay Thiara
Member Executive
OCA (India), Northern Chapter
House N0. 751,Sector-8-B, Chandigarh-160008, India
Ph: 91-172-5071931,4009932 (Office), Mobile: 09316131741
Email: ocanorthernchapter@yahoo.com
** Participation Form of the OCA(India) Northern Chapter’s Silver Jubilee Celebration
CONGRATULATIONS: Kuljinder Bahia
Kuljinder Bahia President OCA (UK) with Prince Charles
The OCA (UK) Chapter would like to congratulate their Chairman Mr. Kuljinder Bahia on his tremendous achievement in being hounoured by the British Travel Industry’s Hall of Fame as it’s Member, along the likes of Mr. Peter Harris (Bourne Leisure), Sir Moir Lockhead (First Group), Mr. Steve Ridgway (Virgin Atlantic) and Mr. Isadore Sharp (Four Seasons Hotels). The British Travel Industry Hall of Fame was created in 1995, to ‘honour excellence and outstanding achievement in those who have played a significant part in creating and developing the travel, hospitality and tourism industry’. Kuljinder owns Southall Travel which is well featured at London Heathrow Airport.
Thursday 25 April was a special day for Kuljinder for, not only did he receive his award at a special dinner at The Savoy in London, but he also hit The Times Rich list in 3 different divisions.
We are all very proud of Kuljinder as an Old Cottonian and as our Chairman. Bishop Cotton School, Shimla, has one more young international businessman to add to their list of outstanding pupils.
Please click on the following links for information (http://www.kingley.co.uk/the-british-travel-and-hospitality-industry-hall-of-fame)
Capt. Sandeep Mansukhani – Car Rallyist
Captain Sandeep Mansukhani an Old Cottonian of BCS 1992 Batch was 1st in the Sjoba Rally organised by St. John School Chandigarh in 2013.
He was navigator to Amanpreet Ahluwalia and they had the third win in a row.
They came 2nd in the prestigious and rough n tough Raid de Himalaya 2012.
They were 4th in the Mughal Rally 2012 organised by Himalayan Motorsports.
Sandeep, drove all these rallies in his Gypsy and was in the top 10 for the year 2011.
He was hard at work preparing for for the Mughal Rally 2013 and Raid de Himalaya 2013.
Good going Sandeep. Keep it up!
Yash Vardhan Singh best speaker at BCS Slater Debates, 2013
BY: RAVINDER MAKHAIK
Shimla: Hosts Bishop Cotton School, Shimla (BCS) came out winners at the prestigious annual 18thSlater Debates, pinning down 15 other top schools of the country, with Vasant Valley School giving a tough time in the final round that ended today.
For the final topic ‘Juveniles deserve adult punishment for adult crimes’ had BCS debating it on the affirmative side and Vasant Valley School, Delhi on the opposite side.
Judged from diction, presentation, clarity of topic and other debating parameters Yash Vardhan Singh of BCS was declared the best speaker at the Slater Debates, a little while ago.
Courage in the Face of Adversity award went to Garvit Chaudhary of Pine Grove School, Dharampur and the Most Promising speaker went to Shreya Kohli of La Martiniere Girls, Lucknow.
At one of the semi-final debate rounds held today Yash Vardhan Singh of BCS was 1st, Ankita Niyogi of Sri Ram School was 2nd and Ankit Gongal of BCS was third. The topic of the debate was ‘Bribery is an accepted norm in the contemporary society’.
At the other semi-final debate between Vasant Valley School, Delhi and La Martiniere Girls, Lucknow (LMG) on the topic “Advertising creates artificial needs.” Vasant Valley School won with Namrata Narula and Anjani Gupta securing 2nd and 3rd positions Shreya Kohli of LMG, Lucknow bagging the 1stposition.
Started in 1996 by former headmaster Kabir Mustafi, the Slater Debates are held in honour of Revd. Dr. Samuel Slater was the first headmaster of BCS.
The format adopted is the Cambridge pattern with three speakers for and three speakers against; along with 1 reserve speaker each, to generate a healthy debate on current issues confronting society and the country.
Spread over four days the inter-public school debating exchange helps to facilitate friendship, exchange of views and ideas with a view to foster student inter-action, so that they can gather together and debate in a friendly and competitive spirit, said a BCS spokesman.
Slater Debates at BCS Shimla
Top 16 Schools to slug it out at Slater Debates at BCS Shimla
BY: RAVINDER MAKHAIK
Shimla: Fifteen top schools from India and one from Dubai meet here to trash out debating points, starting Wednesday, at the Slater international inter-school debates hosted by Bishop Cotton School.
The schools participating are Frank Anthony Public School, Delhi, La Martiniere Girls School, Kolkata, Dubai Modern High School, La Martiniere Boys, Kolkata, La Martiniere Girls, Lucknow, Pine Grove School, Dharampur, Modern High School, Kolkata, St. James School, Kolkata, The Assam Valley School, Assam, The Doon School, Dehradun, The Lawrence School, Sanawar, The Vasant Valley School, New Delhi, La Martiniere College for Boys, Lucknow, Auckland House Girls, Shimla and The Sri Ram School, Gurgaon. The lone international school participating in the debate is the Dubai Modern High School.
Based on the Cambridge debate pattern, with three speakers for and three speakers against speaking on a topic as many as 19 topics ranging from abstract to topical would be debated upon over four days by the participants.
Held in honour of the first headmaster of BCS, the Reverend Dr. Samuel Slater Memorial Invitational Inter-school English Debates have acquire a reputation of being amongst the best debating platform for school children since 1996 when top schools began to be invited for it.
Some of the topics slated to be debated upon this time are Using torture to obtain information should be banned, Socialism is dead, Bribery is an accepted norm in contemporary society, Corporal punishment should be reintroduced in school, Indian democracy is nothing but a game of numbers, There are no bad children only bad parents, The media offers a biased outlook on events, A presidential form of government would be better than the current parliament system, Advertising creates artificial needs, New technologies add little to the quality of education and The united nation organization is a toothless lion.
Winners of the last three consecutive debates, La Mariniere Boys’ School, Kolkata have in 17 years been on top in five years (1999, 2002, 2010, 2011 and 2012), the Doon School Dehra Dun have won on three occasions (1996, 1997 and 2007), Mayo College for Girls, Ajmer (2001 and 2009), La Martiniere Girls School, Kolkata (2004 and 2006) and Bishop Cotton School, Shimla (1998 and 2005) have won it on two occasions each and St James School, Kolkata (2000), The Cathedral & John Connon School, Mumbai (2003) and The Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehra Dun (2008) one time each.
Among those who have witnessed and judged these debates include the former BBC India correspondent Mark Tully and late Mrs Amita Malik, the famous media critic.
DES RAJ SARDA (Rivaz 1945 – 1952)
Received from Col. Wendy Dewan / Secretary OCA India:
Des Raj Sarda of Rivaz House passed away at the age of 76 years. He was born in 1935 in Tanzania. All four Sarda brothers were at BCS. He was excellent in academics and was awarded a double promotion in School. He was fondly called ZULLU-2. He obtained his Colt Colours in Cricket and was in the boxing School team in the category of Light Weight. Des Raj Sarda went to Oxford University and specialised in the field of Architecture. However, he went into the business, specialising in restaurants and set up a chain of three well known Indian restaurants in UK and one in Europe.
He leaves behind a wife and four children. He will be remembered with sincere gratitude by all the Old Cottonians.