Old Cottonians’ Weekend Celebrating Heritage and the ‘Cottonian Spirit’ at Bishop Cotton School

Shimla ( Himachal Pradesh ) [India], November 12: Bishop Cotton School (BCS), Shimla, recently hosted the Old Cottonians’ Weekend 2024, celebrating 165 years of its legacy and the vibrant ‘Cottonian Spirit’ that has shaped countless lives. The event, spanning three days from October 18-20, brought together alumni, students, faculty, and distinguished guests in a memorable celebration of the school’s historical impact and its vision for the future.

Music, History, and Tradition

The weekend’s celebrations kicked off with an electrifying concert by Bollywood singer Akriti Kakar, who transformed the BCS sports grounds into a buzzing arena. Over 1,000 attendees, including students, staff, and alumni, reveled in the spirited performance, singing along to Kakar’s hit songs. The event was hosted by a dynamic team, featuring BCS student Pranet Rathore, Old Cottonian Vivek Bhasin, and popular TV personality Kavita Ralhan, who kept the energy levels high and the audience fully engaged.

On October 19, the spotlight shifted to a breathtaking Son et Lumière show that illuminated BCS’s iconic architecture, blending CGI visuals with sound to narrate the school’s history. The audience was taken through milestone moments, including the famous story of the Lefroy House Ghost, a tale that has intrigued generations. “It was exciting to witness our school’s legacy brought to life in such a spectacular way,” remarked one student.

Achievements in Education and Beyond

Bishop Cotton School took the opportunity to showcase its recent accomplishments in academics and co-curricular fields. Ranked as India’s top legacy boys’ boarding school by EducationWorld, BCS has continuously raised the bar with its educational offerings. The school’s faculty, trained in CISCE and Cambridge curricula, contributes to outstanding academic results, with students achieving a record-high score of 98% in board exams over the past three years.

BCS also takes pride in its achievements in sports, including a memorable cricket match against Eton College, UK. These accomplishments exemplify the school’s holistic approach to education, emphasizing not just academics but also character-building and sportsmanship.

Honoring the Legacy and Luminaries

The Old Cottonians’ Weekend was attended by notable figures such as HP Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, and politician Harish Janartha. Henry Jodrell, a descendant of BCS founder Bishop George Edward Lynch Cotton, traveled from the UK to join the celebrations, expressing pride in the school’s rich heritage. The legendary author Ruskin Bond, an Old Cottonian himself, shared a virtual message, congratulating BCS on this momentous occasion. The late industrialist Deep C Anand, another distinguished alumnus, also contributed a message on the ‘Cottonian Spirit,’ adding a personal touch to the celebrations.

Bishop Cotton School’s Enduring Impact

Founded in 1859, Bishop Cotton School has built a legacy that endures to this day. With its strong focus on academic excellence, character development, and community service, BCS continues to be a beacon of premier education in India. Its extensive alumni network, spread worldwide, upholds the school’s values and contributes to the Cottonian legacy.

For more information on Bishop Cotton School and the 165th Anniversary Celebrations, visit https://bishopcottonshimla.com.