Greetings from the North, where autumn is in full swing.
The air is crisp, the leaves are ablaze with colour, and the trees are quietly letting go—something I sometimes wish my own hair would do more gracefully. Alas, the hair that left years ago has yet to return, while new tufts now appear, amusingly, on my ears.
This weekend, OCA Canada celebrated a milestone—25 vibrant years of friendship and shared memories. What began as a modest gathering in 2000 has evolved into a vibrant network of over a hundred Old Cottonians worldwide. Our reunion at Bombay Palace in Brampton was proof that time only strengthens these bonds.
The restaurant’s warm lighting and the aroma of slow-simmered spices set the stage. Plates overflowed with fragrant biryanis, buttery naans, and perfectly spiced curries that had everyone reaching for seconds. Between bites, laughter flowed as freely as the masala chai. It wasn’t just dinner—it was a celebration of history and belonging.
Stories flew across the table like old schoolyard banter.
- I’ve watched Inderjit Singh shine in Dubai, Shiv Narang thrive in New York after interning with me, and Junaid mingle in the corridors of power.
- We raised a quiet toast to Jal Boga, Peter Stringer, and Allan Bapty, who once joined us from Pakistan and the UK and now watch from a higher place.
Thirteen of us formed this year’s circle of fellowship—a sui generis coterie bound by tradition and affection.
- Bogie (I67), Jiwan (I66), and Gautam (I91) continue their perfect attendance streak from the Chhota Haazri days. Bogie sported his Spartan tie, Gautam wore full Cottonian regalia, and Jiwan’s yoga routine kept him as fit as ever.
- Subir Guin (C47) and Vijay Chaddah (C53) shared vivid memories of school life in the 1960s, their first reunion with us after decades in the GTA.
- Shankar (C70), lean from squash and yoga, still looks forty—his secret remains a mystery.
- Ravdeep (L89), Prashant (L87), and I proudly represented the 1980s.
- Rajkaran (C05) and Jasraj (I09) carried the banner for the 2000s, while the youngest—Gurarman (L18) and Robin (I17)—brought fresh energy and hope for the future.
As we parted, full of food and memories, one truth stood out: time may scatter us across continents, but the Cottonian spirit endures. Here’s to another quarter century of friendship, fellowship, and the irresistible pull of home.
Jerry Godinho
