Tag Archives: Celebration

Celebrating 165 years of Educational Excellence – October 18 & 19 2024

Bishop Cotton School Shimla (BCS), founded in 1859 by Bishop George Edward Lynch Cotton, stands as one of the world’s oldest public schools in Asia for boys. Bishop Cotton School is high profile and has been ranked among the best boys-only residential schools of India by media such as The Times of India, Outlook, Education World and Education Today Magazine.

Our legendary boys boarding school is celebrating 165 glorious years of history as a heritage school in Shimla with a weekend of spectacular shows and sporting events Friday 18^th and Saturday 19^th October 2024. (program structure attached)

We are offering our Old Cottonians the chance to sponsor this event themselves, with their own companies before we go outside and look for sponsors pan India.

Please contact OC Praveen Dharma if this is something you would like to do. admofficer@bishopcotton.com, mobile contact: +91 981 663 4544

Our institution has played a significant role in the development and shaping of public schools and promotion of education in India and has produced a host of distinguished alumni and leaders.

As a prestigious school with eminent alumni, BCS continues to set high standards in education. Located in the heart of the Shimla hills, spread over an area of 35 acres, the charming school campus takes one away from the hustle and bustle of Shimla itself. A perfect learning environment for future generations of successful Cottonians.

As an ICSE and IGCSE Cambridge International accredited school we are strengthened by a proud history that goes back 165 years, yet our Cottonians have their eyes firmly set on a global legacy for producing leaders for the 21st century.

Bishop Cotton School is an institution rooted in history and tradition. Over decades, its alumni have included some of the most distinguished men in India and elsewhere. From the uniformed services to administrators, from businessmen and industrialists, to authors and actors, Bishop Cotton School has nurtured nascent talents and helped them come to fruition. This is a school that provides a child with a firm foundation to look capably and confidently to a global role in the years to come.

The School is organising a global gathering to unite all our School’s stakeholders: Celebrated Alumni, Current and past parents, VIPs and celebrities as well and honoured guests.

In its pursuit of celebrating our School’s unique and drama-filled history, we are bringing to life the BCS myths and legends of the past with a special Son et Lumiere drama, light and sound show 19^th of October, followed by our Director’s Dinner.

The weekend of special events highlights our school’s commitment as a partner in nation-building and producing Leaders of the future for India and the wider world for the next 100 years.

Old Cottonians Ticket link: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLScSwA…/viewform…

With a huge expected turnout of successful, global Old Cottonians, current school parents and our BCS community we also have the advantage of publicising our event across India and Shimla with a variety of Sponsorship opportunities. Our Facebook page covers the globe and is very active along with our Instagram and Twitter handles reaching out to all corners of the globe.

Our 150^th School celebrations held in 2009 attracted hundreds of Old Cottonians and celebrities from across the globe and was a big event that had coverage all over India and further afield.

In order to enable entities to showcase their products effectively, the School is extending a variety of sponsorship opportunities across the following categories:

Sponsor Category	GOLD Hoarding and Digital Screens, Adverts on roads, or shopping centres	SILVER Hoarding and Adverts within BCSCampus	Lunch/ Tea and Dinner Area Chipus Café, Marina Hotel, Golf event	Sign-in Desk Welcome	Kit Sponsor:Sportsand Man of the Match awards
Number of Opportunities	1	2	1+1	1+1	4
Sponsorship Amount (in Lakhs)	10 – 5L	5 – 3L	5	2	5
Company Logo on Music Event on 18^th Oct – stage banner	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Company Logo on Sponsor/ tickets and seating 19^th Oct	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Logo to be displayed flags Entrance to Shimla Campus, social media	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Company Logo Man of the Match Sporting Events ***	3	2	1	1	1
Sponsor Recognition in post event thankyou email to delegates	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

*Speaking opportunity whilst giving out the ‘Man of the Match’ prizes, after the sporting events.

Please see our program of events attached herewith for your reference.

We assure you of value for your investment and eagerly anticipate your positive and favourable response to support this event as a sponsor.

You may reach out to us here in Shimla if you have any further questions,

Sponsorship officer: 165 Event:

Praveen Dharma, Admin Officer, Bishop Cotton School. admofficer@bishopcotton.com, mobile contact: +91 981 663 4544

Or BCS landline: (0177) 262 0880

With all best wishes,

Praveen Dharma

Admin Officer

Bishop Cotton School, Shimla

The BCS 165 Celebrations

Many happy returns of the day! UMESH DUTTA

Dear All

Ranjana, Umesh Dutta’s wife put together video clips from friends and family wishing Umesh on his 75th birthday.

I am forwarding the link [Editor: Video embedded below] for you to hook up and watch this excellent compilation of messages from his friends from School.

Ranjana informs me that “Umesh went through so many emotions while watching all the videos and messages. We received almost 60 of them. He laughed, he cried, he chuckled………….. it was so wonderful. He’s already watched them about three times. It is fresh and heartwarming for him each time he watches it. Thank you so much, Vijay. You helped make this a memorable birthday for him. Bless you”

I wish we were present to have him watch through our messages but during these unusual times that was not possible.The accompanying emotions would have overwhelmed everyone present that day.

Our compliments to Ranjana for a brilliant effort

Warmly

Vijay

PRESS RELEASE / Bishop Cotton School Shimla, children celebrate Independence Day virtually

PRESS RELEASE

17 August 2020

Independence Day celebrated virtually at Bishop Cotton School, Shimla

Bishop Cotton School, Shimla (BCS) celebrated the 74^th Independence Day last Saturday (15 August 2020) but this year, for the first time in history, it was celebrated virtually with the school community contributing remotely online from home (see BCS video links below to the YouTube video celebrations).

After a few days of mist and rain, the sun came out for the ceremony as residential staff gathered at the Shimla site for the flag raising and National Anthem ceremony. The Indian flag could be seen for miles flying high on the BCS flagpole (of 106 feet high) in the blue sky across the Shimla area.

BCS is one of the oldest residential schools in Asia and has played a big part in shaping the development of public schools and education in India as well as producing a host of well-known and successful alumni.

The online ceremony (links below) included heartfelt messages from the BCS students about why they love their country and the meaning for them of Independence Day.

The students were very clear in expressing their ideas that we must mark the day and respect those freedom fighters who gave their lives for their country.

The Cottonian family wishes all Cottonians a very happy Independence Day. Here are the highlights of the celebrations at Bishop Cotton School, Shimla, with video contributions from the boys expressing their love for India and the values it stands for.

Bishop Cotton School, Shimla, Independence Day 2020 – Video highlights duration: 5’27”

1) Independence Day 2020 celebrations from Bishop Cotton School, Shimla

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkzR-IcbeNA&feature=youtu.be

2) BCS Facebook link – Independence Day 2020:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=635162740538939

The school has operated a full academic curriculum with online classes since March. Parents have reported that the children have been missing playing sport and being with their friends and are yearning to get back on campus in Shimla.

Director Simon Weale together with the Headmaster Mathew John and BCS Staff gathered for the Flag raising ceremony.

Website: bishopcottonshimla.com

Further information from BISHOP COTTON SCHOOL, Shimla – 171002 (H.P.) India.

Phone : 0177 – 2620880

BCS 161st Founder’s Day 2020

One hundred and sixty one years today and my beautiful Alma mater remains steadfast on that spur of Simla looking towards the gap of Tara Devi, whilst the Heavens above look down and Bless our great institution…

The history of Bishop Cotton School is entwined with the history of India and Britain. Our school founded by Reverend Bishop George Edward Lynch Cotton is the ground where I grew up from a five year old…. to what I am today.

At an interesting talk at Chatham House London by Mark Tully ( ex.BBC) on life in India, I was sitting amongst the rows of invitees and put my hand up when the Q&A* session started.

I must have asked something terribly relevant.. as Mr Tully started with “that’s a great question…!”

At the end of the event, someone tapped me very gently on my left shoulder. I turned to that side and saw a gentle hand with beautifully manicured nails, delicate long fingers that lead to a gorgeous arm and on to a very aristocratic Lady with coiffured silver-grey hair, a gorgeous face, a string of Mallorca pink pearls and a divine smile ….a whiff of Chanel No 5 and Pure Radiance!

“Excuse me“ she whispered coming closer …”are you the India High Commissioner?”….

I turned around towards her and stood up….we both smiling looking deep into each other’s eyes..

“ No Ma’am” I whispered back ..

“ I am not the High Commissioner, but I am an Ambassador …”

… she raised her well groomed eyebrow questioningly with an even bigger smile..

“ indeed I am an Ambassador Ma’am, an Ambassador of Bishop Cotton School**Simla”

And that for us was said enough.

Wishing The Director,the Staff and All We Ambassadors** of Bishop Cotton School, felicitations on our 161st Founder’s Day.

God Bless our great institution; may it continue from strength to strength.

*Q&A session : When my class of 1970 sits on the stage in the Irwin Hall with the senior boys throwing questions at us like freebies ….. we will answer… “about the roads we took, the paths we chose, our lives experiences and whether we have reached our destination..

** Every week day at Chapel Service, just after the hymn was sung, the last prayer recited, we used to wait expectantly for Heady Goldie ( Head Master R. K. von Goldstein) to walk up to the alter to end the service with a very brief talk …..he always did… immaculately, striding forward in his three piece suit, oxfords and Head Master’s gown, he never failed us as we listened to his three minutes that consisted of a spectrum of thoughts, stories and events. The Brass hand grip on the Chapel door and more. What he ingrained in me was one of his impeccable sayings that resound in me every single day….. “ never ever forget young gentlemen… when you walk out of the gates of this great institution, always remember…You Are Ambassadors of Bishop Cotton School…”.

Vivek ( Bonnie ) Bhasin

Lefroy

1961-1970

.. hurting deep and hard that my Class of 1970 will not make it to School this year to celebrate our Golden Anniversary. Deep and hard and heart breaking…

BCS Flag on the Highest point in Europe

@sandeep_mansukhani holds up the BCS Flag atop the highest point in Europe – Mt. Elbrus. 27th July 2019 at 0710 HRS [LT].

A proud moment for all. Three Cheers!

Happy Diwali!

HAPPY DIWALI

May your celebrations bring much joy & happiness!

All lit up

The Tara Devi Gap

Please pass on to Cottonians around the world for our Fellowship to continue in strength – spreading the Spirit of BCS

God bless dear Patina!

Cheers
Peter [Stringer]

BCS batch 1991 celebrate and give back to School

A PROUD MOMENT!

The Batch of 1991 celebrated 25 years of graduating from Bishop Cotton School, and installed the tallest flag pole in all of Himachal Pradesh – 110 feet – with the Head Master Roy Robinson hoisting a massive 30’x15′ Tricolour. A band consisting of Jawans of the Assam Rifles played the Indian National Anthem and presented colors.

(Click for a larger view)

1966 Batch 50th anniversary / 2016 at Simla

1966 batch 50th anniversary 2016
The class of 1966,had their reunion celebrating 50 yrs of passing out from this great institution called Bishop Cotton..
It was record gathering of 18 of us, from all corners of the globe. We had Seereeram come from Trinidad, JMS Aulakh from New Zealand, Mahi form England and Arun Bumitra from USA.
The four days we spend together were the best in a life time.. It was as if none of ever left school. It was the same bonhomie and gossip.

Photos.
1.Seated.L2R
A Katakam. OmPrakash. Ved Seereeram. AK Malhotra. SK Bhalaik. K Vijay Singh.
Standing. R2L
Andy Mahi. Rajpal Singh. K Uday Singh. JMS Aulakh. Ranbir Brar. Arun Bhumitra.
2.At the NGO Udaan, whereby our class started a project to help speciall abled children
3. Ved Seereeram with wife Carrie, who came from Trinidad.
4.Uday’s house for dinner.
L2R
Japvir. Rajpal. Bhalaik. Kuttu. AK. Uday. DM. Brar. Katzi. Arun. Ompi. Terry. Mahi.
Sitting. Trini. Sherry.
5.Standing in school.
Rajpal. Katzi. Kuttu. Emma. Mahi. Uday.

Vijay Singh

Click for large view of each photo.

Lance Jones celebrates his 90th birthday

4th January 2014 at the open invitation for all Old Cottonians UK to celebrate the 90th birthday party of Lance Jones (L 35-39), wife of late Bobby Reed (R 41-46) Sheila, Maggie & I attended with a large gathering of his relatives and friends in the local pub at Pirton, HERTS. Daughter Lorna and son Jeff proudly hosted the grand occasion. On behalf of OCA (UK) I presented Lance with a BCS crest delivered to me years ago by Hashim Khan (I 43-47) from Islamabad, Pakistan. Our tribute to our oldest UK member and may he enjoy many more happy returns – Bless him!

Peter A Stringer (L 43-47)”

Silver Jubilee Celebration of OCA (India) Northern Chapter – update

Dear OCs,

Further to my earlier communication, wherein you had been requested to contribute with some suggestions to make the forthcoming Silver Jubilee Celebration of OCA ( India ) Northern Chapter a grand success and memorable one.

I now take the opportunity to share with you some of the suggestions which have come in.

A golf Tournament to be played between the OC’s and Old Sanawarians or OC’s, the Old Sanawarians, the DOSCO’s and Mayoties followed by a prize distribution and dinner at Chandigarh.
To get the renovation done of Shankar badminton Hall at school. ( Request has come from the school)
To get 3-4 rooms constructed at school to be used by OC’s whose children are studying in school and other OC’s.
To have a meal at school. The Head master has very graciously offered to host.
To charter a plane to have a celebration at an overseas destination probably Dubai / a South East Asia destination or the UK .
A musical performance at school.

All those OC’s desirous of contributing with more suggestions and wanting to volunteer towards making the celebration a grand success are requested to join and become a part of the Celebration Committee which is scheduled to conduct its first meeting on Monday, 25th March 2013 at the residence of OC Sukhinder Singh, House No. 3, Sector-5, Chandigarh at 5:00 p.m.

An email confirming your attending the meeting would be appreciated.

Kind Regards

Ajay Thiara
Member Executive
OCA Northern Chapter

Old Cottonians Association

OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD. Old Cottonians Association of Bishop Cotton School Simla India.