Humans, not places, make memories, 150 Old Cottonians get together at Chandigarh

The IAS Officer’s Colony, New Chandigarh, was abuzz with nostalgia and excitement as Bishop Cotton School, Shimla alumni came together to celebrate a remarkable 165 years of nurturing young minds and fostering a community of lifelong learners. With over 150 Old Cottonians and their spouses in attendance, the event was a testament to the enduring spirit of the BCS community. As old friends reunited and new connections were forged, the occasion marked a significant milestone in the school’s illustrious history.

Nostalgia blended with the winter chill, creating a mist of memories at the IAS Officer’s Colony, New Chandigarh, as the alumni/old boys of Bishop Cotton School, Shimla gathered to celebrate the school’s 165 years of existence last week in New Chandigarh.

Over 150 Old Cottonians along with their spouses participated in the event, which marked this special occasion. The celebration brought together the BCS school authorities, teachers and alumni, including veteran Old Cottonians (OCs).

The golf award presentation honoured the golf achievements at the Annual Golf Tournament which was held at the Chandigarh Golf Club in the morning. It’s an event that all Old Cottonians eagerly look forward to a moment to celebrate and motivate the spirit of sportsmanship and ethos.

Mr. Simon Weale, Director, BCS awarded the overall best gross player award to Mr. Ransher Randhawa, 18.

Mr. T.P.S. Phoolka Retd IAS, OCA (I) Northern Chapter President, welcomed the guests and emphasized the need for values of fraternity, camaraderie and sportsmanship, among alumni.

The OCA community came together in their traditional style, culminating in a formal dinner where alumni of all ages mingled and participated in various activities. The soft breeze carried a sense of nostalgia as old friendships were rekindled and memories flooded back. For many, it felt like a reunion with an extended family, as old schoolmates exchanged warm greetings and familiar faces. Many in the gathering were reuniting after 25-30 years.

A shared sentiment among alumni was the lasting impact of the school on their lives. Mr. Jaswant Dayal, 82, former Senior Master, played the piano for the School song evoking strong past memories and moist eyes among the audience. A special screening of a film showcasing the 165 years of BCS history put together by Mrs. Rebecca Weale (Communication Head, BCS) and Adhiraj Mustafi (Director of Performing Arts, BCS) was the highlight of the evening. Mr. Rajwant Singh Sandhu, 84, Batch of 1957 was honoured for being the oldest alumnus amongst the gathering.

Advocate Amrinder Singh Sidhu, Secretary OCA (I) Northern Chapter said that “the Old Cottonian Association (OCA) is an elected body representing the interests of the alumni and the object of OCA is to establish a bond of union among Old Cottonians and to foster a spirit of comradeship and co-operation by organising and developing activities/events/contests on cultural, social, educational, philanthropic and/or charitable endeavours. Distinguished Old Cottonians include Mr. Virbhadra Singh (Hon’ble CM, HP), Justice H.S. Bedi (Rtd.), Justice R.S.Sodhi (Rtd.), Justice S.S.Saron (Rtd.), Mr. Fali Nariman (Sr. Advocate, former MP), Mr. Jeev Milkha Singh (Golfer), Mr. Ruskin Bond (Author), Mr. Kumar Gaurav (Actor) among many others.”