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.

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.

Mr. K. C. Anand, an esteemed alumnus of Bishop Cotton School, Shimla (Batch of 1956, Rivaz House), was a distinguished figure whose life reflected excellence, integrity, and a deep commitment to service.

A key pillar of the ANAND Group one of India’s leading automotive component manufacturers. Mr. Anand played a significant role in shaping the organization’s legacy of innovation and leadership in the industry. His professional journey was marked by vision, dedication, and an unwavering pursuit of quality. In addition to his corporate contributions, he was closely associated with the Deep C. Anand Foundation, further demonstrating his commitment to giving back to society and supporting meaningful causes.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Anand remained deeply connected to his alma mater. His enduring bond with Bishop Cotton School and his contributions to the Cottonian community stand as a testament to his loyalty and pride in being an Old Cottonian.

His passing is a profound loss to the Bishop Cotton family and the wider global Cottonian fraternity. He will be remembered not only for his achievements but also for his values, generosity, and lasting impact on all who knew him.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

An esteemed member of the Ibbetson House, Batch of 1957, Vijay Crishna was a distinguished alumnus whose life reflected excellence, creativity, and dedication. He earned admiration across India as a versatile actor and theatre stalwart, remembered for his memorable performances in films such as Devdas and Guzaarish, as well as for his long association with the acclaimed stage production Dance Like a Man.

Beyond his artistic achievements, Vijay Crishna was known for his warmth, dignity, and the enduring values he embodied as a proud Cottonian. His journey from the halls of school to the national stage and screen remains an inspiration to fellow alumni and younger generations alike.

The Old Cottonians Association of India extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and countless admirers. His legacy in theatre, cinema, and the Cottonian fraternity will always be remembered with pride and affection.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

— Old Cottonians Association of India

PRAYER MEET

Rear Admiral Rakesh (ROCKY) Chopra VSM (RETD).

Sep 27, 1948 – March 29, 2025

Celebrating a distinguished service career and a life well lived

Remembrance To Be Held On

April 2, 2025 Wednesday | 3:30 pm

Venue:

Chinmaya Mission

89, Lodi Road, New Delhi

—•—

Marilyn I Vikram-Noopur I Varun

RSVP: 99719 72221; 9820238515

FROM VIJAY KHURANA :
While I put up details on the WhatsApp Group,” Young but Once” for those who did not possess this information, Rocky was admitted with acute COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), diabetes and he had had a stent inserted a few years ago. The medical condition was, when he was admitted, bleak and in the previous few days at home he had been indolent, sleeping most the time and ignoring meals or any other activity. The family then admitted him to the Army Hospital Research and Referral on Sunday March 23, 2025. He was taken directly to the ICU given his precarious condition.

Rocky’s cremation took place yesterday, March 30, 20225 at the Lodhi electric crematorium with arrangements being made by the Indian Navy.

A prayer meeting for Rocky will be held onWednesday, April 2, 2025 at the Chinmaya Mission on Lodhi Road at 3:30PM. Details in the attachment to this mail

Several of you have sent comments and condolence messages over WhatsApp or separate mails. You may like to place them on this trailing page.

On a personal note, Rocky was a second generation naval officer. His father Devender Chopra was a Captain in the Indian Navy, his mother, Kamala, passed away early. For a while Rocky was the only child and developed his skills at being adept at making friends offering a lively disposition. He was never heavily academically inclined, though he did well in School (Curzon, 1958-1963),  but that scholarly attribute of character made itself obvious in the years to come. He collected a PhD, became an academic and that was a side he rarely exhibited with any kind of abandon. His vast knowledge he never flourished except to his students in the class room. It earned him great admiration and respect. In any discussion, Rocky preferred to listen and when he did offer a view point, it was supported by hard core information and indisputable facts. He was dead sure when he did offer a comment!!

Rocky was scheduled to spend four months in Taiwan collecting material about a book that he was planning to write on the politics of the South China Sea !! That is no ordinary subject in today’s political context.

We all knew Rocky as an affable, lively soul which is an enduring memory. However, he was also a very private man and you never got deep down into the recesses of his personality or his mind. Some things and important aspects of his life he kept to himself !! That private side he never offered to anyone. Often the butt of jokes, he accepted them with a smile and a gentle flick! He left us with a persona that he would like us remember – Jovial, Happy and Very Friendly.

Good bye, Dearest Friend. We will miss you when next we raise our glasses!!

Warmly

Vijay Khurana

March-29-2025
With profound grief, we regret to inform you of the passing of Rear Admiral Rakesh (Rocky) Chopra, after many glorious years of service in the Navy and an accomplished post-retirement career.

Rocky, as he was affectionately known within the naval fraternity, was from the 31st NDA course and was commissioned on 1st July 1968. After completing his Sub Lieutenant courses, he qualified as a ship’s diver and helicopter controller. He was part of the team of divers deployed off Chittagong to recover gold that had been sunk in the river by the retreating Pakistani Army.

In 1973, he specialized in Navigation and Direction as a Lieutenant and later completed the Staff Course at Wellington in 1980 as a Lieutenant Commander, eventually serving there as Directing Staff.

Throughout his distinguished career, Rocky held several key appointments. At sea, he commanded a Petya-class frigate in the Eastern Fleet and later INS Ganga in the Western Fleet. His shore postings included Fleet Operations Officer (Western Fleet), Director Warship Overseeing Team, Chief Staff Officer (Operations), Eastern Naval Command, and Instructor at the Naval War College.

On promotion to Rear Admiral, he took on significant leadership roles, including FODAG and later a key appointment at Naval Headquarters.
Beyond his naval service, Rocky was a highly respected professional, a lively and immensely likeable officer, and a cherished friend to many. He had a rare ability to connect with people, earning admiration not just from his peers but also from those he mentored and worked with. His departure leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives of his close friends and coursemates, who will forever treasure his camaraderie, wisdom, and unwavering spirit.

Rocky was a lifelong learner, always striving to expand his horizons. While posted in Mumbai, he completed an MBA from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management, a qualification that proved invaluable in his post-retirement years. He went on to become a Professor of Management and Strategy at XLRI, Jamshedpur, and later at IMT, Ghaziabad, in recognition of his academic excellence. He also earned a Diploma in International Humanitarian Law, a testament to his relentless pursuit of knowledge.

To his friends and colleagues, Rocky was the embodiment of intellectual curiosity, adventure, and lifelong learning. He had an insatiable passion for travel, both within India and overseas, and a deep love for yachting, always embracing new experiences with enthusiasm.

The funeral and last rites of Rear Admiral Rakesh Chopra will be performed Lodhi Electric Crematorium on30/03/25 at 1330.

We pray to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to his noble soul. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

NOK:

Wife Marilyn Chopra (99719 72221)
Son Vikram Chopra (9820238515)
Son Varun Chopra (9920200104)
Daughter-in-law Noopur Jain Chopra

PRAYER MEET details link 

[Inderjit Singh Bawa 07 July 1942 – 24 January 2025]

Final farewell on 27 January 2025
High Tea 4-5pm at 6 Hailey Road, New Delhi.