Monthly Archives: January 2022

Annual OCA India Reunion Lunch, postponement

Dear OCs,
As per the meeting of the executive of OCA India convened on 14.01.2022, it was unanimously decided to postpone the Annual Reunion Lunch that would have been held on 06.02.2022 at Delhi, until further notice due to current COVID guidelines issued by the Government. A  fresh date and venue of the said event shall be communicated to all later. 
Best Wishes and enjoy a wonderful season ahead!
Best regards
Jaspal Singh Sawhney

CONGRATULATIONS Old Cottonian Raghvendra Tanwar! On appointment as Chairman ICHR

Raghuvendra Tanwar

From Times of India Jan 10, 2022, 20:29 IST

KURUKSHETRA: Raghuvendra Tanwar, professor emeritus, Kurukshetra University (KU) has been appointed as Chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), New Delhi, for a period of three years by the Government of India (GOI).

Prof Tanwar who joined KU as a lecturer in August 1977 has an outstanding academic record, with two gold medals in MA History. He was appointed an open selection professor in 1997 and has also worked as the KU’s dean of academic affairs and dean of social sciences. He superannuated in February 2015 and in July 2016 was appointed director of the Haryana Academy of History and Culture.

Prof Tanwar was awarded the prestigious UGC National Fellowship (Research Award) 2002-2005. He conducted a major research project on Jammu & Kashmir for the period 1947-53 in 2013-15.

Prof Tanwar is reputed for his study of India’s partition particularly Punjab. This work based on sources across India and the UK is a day-to-day reporting of what happened in 1947 and is widely acclaimed. His research and publication on Jammu & Kashmir while questioning major narratives particularly by western scholars has argued and established how the masses of Kashmir were clearly in support of the accession of the state with the Union of India in 1947.

Prof Tanwar’s most recent study is an illustrated Story of India’s Partition, published by the Publication Division of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, GOI in English and Hindu. He has several other major publications including an illustrated biography of Bansi Lal and on Sir Chhotu Ram.

Update : Raghuvendra Tanwar to be awarded the Padma Shri!

Old Cottonian Dr. Someshwar Singh Nakai

Taken from this website page:

It is with profound sadness that the Nakai Family announces the sudden death of our beloved [Dr. Someshwar Singh Nakai] husband and father at age 84. December 16, 1937 – December 31, 2021.

He was predeceased by his parents, Gurcharan and Rajendra Nakai; his eldest brother, General Jagdishwar S. Nakai; his nephew Gobinder Nakai; and his long-time friend and caregiver, Sally McLaren. He is lovingly survived by his wife of 46 years, Dr. Ruth Collins-Nakai; daughter Natasha; son Sunil; brother Yogishwar; and various dear aunts, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.

Born in Kotadu, India into what was then one of the twelve ruling families of the Punjab, Somesh grew up in northern India, attended Bishop Cotton School, a British boarding school for boys in Simla, followed by university, and medical school at what was then the top medical faculty in India in Amritsar. After interning in Delhi, he trained in general surgery and started his chest surgery training in New York. When he was conscripted by the Americans for the war in Viet Nam, he left the United States and came to Canada to finish his cardiovascular thoracic training. In Edmonton, he met Ruth and decided to stay in Canada, becoming a much-admired educator, an extraordinarily gifted surgeon, and a teacher and mentor for generations of surgical trainees and colleagues. Unfortunately, Parkinson Disease forced his premature exit from the surgical world, though he missed, to the very end, teaching and mentoring.

Nick was an exceptional man: kind, wise, generous, patient, brilliant, and extremely humble. Respected and loved by all who came to know him, he will be fondly remembered for his fabulous sense of humour and for his quiet leadership.

The family is grateful to the staff at the CHOICE program at the Zetter Centre, the Geriatric Rehabilitation Program at the Glenrose Hospital, and the staff in the Emergency and ICU at the University for their attentive and dignified care.

A private cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life may be held at a later date. To sign the book of condolences and to share memories, please visit www.dignitymemorial.com.
Published on January 6, 2022

Unfortunately we do not have any BCS related information about Dr Nakai.
It is appreciated if someone could very kindly post details, if known, about his years at BCS etc. Thank you
!