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

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

From the historic grounds of Shimla to some of the finest cricketing schools in the United Kingdom, our young Cottonians are set for an unforgettable journey of sport, learning, and international exposure.
Competing against prestigious institutions including Rugby School, Marlborough College, Westminster School, Hampton School, and more, while experiencing the rich heritage and culture of the UK.
20–30 June 2026.

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Bishop Cotton School, Shimla, in collaboration with Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools, invites young footballers to a unique 9-Day Residential Football Training Camp.

From 18–26 June 2026, participants aged 8–18 will receive professional football coaching while experiencing life at one of India’s most iconic boarding schools. The programme includes boarding, accommodation, nutritious meals, pick-up and drop facilities from Delhi/Chandigarh, and an immersive campus experience.

A perfect opportunity to sharpen skills, build character, and create lifelong memories.

OCA Award Winners:
Achievers:
Age 25–35: Dr. Samriddha
Age 35–45: Mr. Vikramaditya Singh
Age 45–55: Mr. Kuljinder Bahia
Age 55–65: Mr. Parmeet Sawhney
65+: Mr. Nakul Anand

Special Awards:
Best OC: Mr. Taranjeet Bakshi
Best Loved Old Teacher: Mr. Jaswant Prakash Dayal
Best Teacher: Mr. Vijay Singh Bhardwaj

The evening featured a warm and lively atmosphere with scrumptious food, heartfelt moments, and immense enthusiasm from all present. The Marina Dinner truly stood out as one of the most memorable highlights of the OC Week celebrations.

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.

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.

Whether it’s reminiscing about early morning PT on the second flat, challenging hikes to nearby hills to scaling Mount Everest…late-night dorm stories, battling Sanawar …socials with Chelsea and Auckies, our shared experiences create a common thread that ties us Old Cottonians together, no matter where life takes us. Our brotherhood isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about carrying forward the spirit of Bishop Cotton School, Simla — a spirit of resilience, curiosity, and service.

As Old Cottonians, we look out for each other, celebrate each other’s successes, and stand together through troughs, waves and challenges . Our global network of alumni is a testament to the enduring impact of our school days and the values instilled in us.
Mutare Sperno “ I scorn to change “
Servamus “ I serve “
Facta non verba “ Deeds not words “
Nec Impetu Nec imperio “ Neither by force nor by power”
AND
“OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD”

We must continue to nurture our brotherhood, SUPPORT one another, and make a difference in our own ways..

Our fraternity connects us across continents, cultures, and generations. To our global fraternity: we must keep the spirit of Bishop Cotton School alive, wherever we are in the world. Share your stories, reconnect with brothers, and let’s strengthen further the bonds that make us True Old Cottonians.

COTTONIANS.. on the road to everywhere ..!

What a school ..
OUR BISHOP COTTON SCHOOL..

Quote
Sir .. I hope to become a multimillionaire soon … young today I will remain young -steadfast and even more focused tomorrow.. I will always keep the spirit and energy of BCS and the OCA strong, powerful and alive … never say die “
A young OC at the OCA dinner at Tonino’s last evening ..Saturday 28th Feb 2026
Unquote

Vivek Walker Bonnie Bhasin
Lefroy 1961-1970

..never STOP believing..in BCS
..never STOP walking..

What an extraordinary evening it was at the OCA Annual Dinner held at Tonino’s, New Delhi, on 28th February! The venue came alive as 100’s of Old Cottonians gathered under one roof.
The night was a complete celebration! with foot-tapping music, a high-energy DJ, a brilliant guitarist, and a lively percussionist setting the rhythm, the dance floor was buzzing from start to finish. Guests indulged in delectable Italian cuisine while laughter echoed across the room. From the school song to spontaneous dance circles, everyone joined in singing, dancing, and celebrating the spirit of brotherhood in true style.

Thank you everyone!! A spectacular gathering that once again proved that the Cottonian bond only grows stronger with time.