We invite the Bishop Cotton fraternity to recommend deserving young candidates to become part of our enduring legacy of excellence.

The OCA UK Annual Lunch, 27th June 2026

NEVER LET GO. EVER.

I was pensive, nostalgic, emotional.

Bishop Cotton School, our Alma Mater, is an institution where our parents WANTED the best holistic education for their sons. For all of us.

BCS is a school where admissions are NOT easy. It is an established institution that EXCELS in overall excellence. The traditions, the culture, the language, the BCS vernacular, and the iconic buildings all contribute to the upbringing of the young Cottonians today.

Cottonians who GO OUT into the wider avenues of the world carry distinctive traits. Our grounding, our grooming, our respect, our individuality, our cohesiveness, and our team spirit set us APART. There is no denying it. The boys from BCS are part of an exclusive club. We are HERE to reach out, to look out for one another, to help, and to network.

In my nostalgia I caught myself writing in the past tense. We walked, we spoke, we thought. At three score and ten, I must rewind the camera reel in my memory chest and return to when I was a lad of five. I must place myself in the shoes of the young Cottonians today who are enjoying and imbibing the history made by those who’ve gone before and adding to our history.

Up in the pristine hills of Simla, our magnificent campus is unique, special, exclusive. It is an honoured space. All who are privileged to be part of its history today must remember this is no ordinary sanctuary, but hallowed ground.

This sentimental storyteller became a survivor thanks to BCS.

Always wear the priceless badge of BCS wherever you are.

The OCA UK lunch was a quiet affair. Its history is solidly entrenched. The OCA chapters are there for us.

NEVER LET GO. EVER.
NEVER STOP BELIEVING.

Vivek Bonnie Bhasin
Just another Old Cottonian.
Part of our exclusive brotherhood.
27th June 2026

The OCA Himachal Chapter hosted an exciting T20 cricket match between the Old Cottonians and the Ex Edwardians.

Batting first, the Old Cottonians posted 206 in 20 overs, powered by a superb unbeaten century (103). The Ex Edwardians responded with determination but were bowled out for 195 with one ball remaining, giving the Old Cottonians a hard-fought 10-run victory.

The prize distribution was graced by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Tarlok Chauhan (Retd.) (1980-I), who congratulated both teams on an excellent contest marked by outstanding and sportsmanship.

President Dr. Vijay Bhalaik shared the OCA UK Annual Newsletter, highlighting school developments, alumni engagement, donations, and the upcoming annual lunch.

The Old Cottonians Association UK extends an invitation to all members and their partners for a luncheon at a cost of £50 per person. Your attendance ensures the continued support of the organization. RSVP to Puneet Singh via email at puneetsingh932@hotmail.com or phone 0784159090. Your financial contributions are essential.

#Oldcottoninansassociation#uk#ocauk#gettogether

Gone too soon….

Remembering Dr (Major) Rajat Sood (Retd) (batch 1997) with deep respect and gratitude.
His integrity, dedication, and kindness touched countless lives and will never be forgotten.
You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Rest in eternal peace.
— OCA India

Congratulations to the newly constituted Executive Committee of the Himachal Chapter!

The Himachal Chapter is pleased to announce the constitution of its new Executive Committee, with effect from 2nd April 2026.

Following nominations and elections held at the Chapter meeting, the following office-bearers have been duly appointed to lead the Chapter:

President: Mr. Vineet Sarjolta | Vice President: Mr. Satish Thakur | Secretary: Mr. Hitesh Chauhan, along with the full complement of office-bearers and committee members.

The Chapter places on record its confidence in the newly constituted Committee and extends its very best wishes to all members as they assume their responsibilities. We look forward to a term marked by purposeful engagement, fellowship, and dedicated service to our Alma Mater.

The students shared valuable insights on self-study, time management, examination preparation, future college planning, and the positive role played by Bishop Cotton School in their academic journey. Current students also engaged actively with questions on AI, device time management, motivation, and effective study techniques, making the session highly interactive and inspiring for all present.

The OCA congratulates the achievers and wishes them continued success in all their future endeavours.

Join in for an interactive session with our top ISC studentson –
Saturday, 9th May 2026
Litster Hall ( Virtual Session)
6:00 pm onwards
Link to be shared on all whats app groups.

Mr. Dilip Batra, of the Batch of 1967, visited Bishop Cotton School on 5th May along with his wife and his host in Shimla, Mr. Sanjoy Roy, an alumnus of The Doon School. During their visit, they had the opportunity to meet the Headmaster and walk through the historic corridors and grounds that once formed such an important part of Mr. Batra’s life.

He shared stories of school life, friendships, sports, discipline, and the timeless traditions that shaped his journey as a Cottonian. Every corner of the campus seemed to awaken treasured memories, making the occasion truly special for both him and his wife.

What made the visit even more meaningful was Mr. Batra’s heartfelt reflection on his family’s enduring association with Bishop Cotton School. He shared that his father, Lt Gen M. N. Batra, PVSM, was also a distinguished Old Cottonian, a former Curzon House Captain, and one of the school’s most respected alumni. The moment beautifully reflected a rare and proud multi generational Cottonian legacy, bound together by deep affection, values, and lifelong connection with the school.

It was truly heartwarming to witness the joy, pride, and emotion with which Mr. Batra relived his years at BCS.

The OCA Himachal Chapter Golf Tournament 2026 was successfully held on 2–3 May at naldehra_golfcourse , Shimla, bringing together Old Cottonians, golfers and friends for two days of sport, camaraderie and fine competition.

Congratulations to all winners, especially Mr. Girish Minocha (Best Gross), Mr. Ravi S. Toor (Best Cottonian Gross), Mr. Ajay Negi (Runner Up) and Mr. Deepak Gupta (Runner Up Cottonian).
Kudos to the Old Cottonians team for winning the team event and Lefroy House for lifting the Inter-House Trophy.

A heartfelt thank you to all participants, sponsors, partners and the naldehra_golfcourse team for making the event truly memorable.