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
Never STOP being a Cottonian
Never LOSE your faith in BCS
Never STOP being grateful to your parents who sent you to BCS
Never STOP being an Ambassador of BCS
Never STOP Believing in BCS
Is there a gathering of Old Cottonians in the US? I would be interested to join, we live in Texas near Dallas.
Where can one get a list of OCs in the US, just curious how many are here and if it is worth investigating the possibility of a get-together.
Thanks – Joel Mathai class of 1970
https://oldcottonians.org/2024/05/oca-na-get-together-new-york/
Do read the replies / comments too. You would get a couple of contact email addresses of OCs in the US.
John McLaughlin in Flint Michigan used to organize reunions in NY and drove 7 hrs to come to ours. If I know of anyone organizing I will let you know
Grateful all round for the privilege of having been at BCS. Wish everyone who might have known me, or heard of me, all the very best in their lives. God bless you all dear ones.