Bishop Cotton School, Shimla Marks 165 Years with Grand Celebrations
Old Cottonians from Around the World Return to Alma Mater for a Historic Weekend of Music, Tradition, and Legacy.
Shimla, India – Bishop Cotton School (BCS), Shimla, one of India’s oldest and most prestigious all-boys’ boarding schools, is marking a significant milestone as it celebrates its 165th anniversary this month. Founded in 1859 by Bishop George Edward Lynch Cotton, the school has cemented its place as a pillar of educational excellence, shaping generations of leaders across various fields.
The school, which was recently ranked No. 1 in the Vintage Boys’ Boarding Schools category by Education World Magazine for the 2024/25 academic year, is preparing for a weekend of grand celebrations from October 18-20. Known as the Old Cottonian’s Weekend, the event will bring together alumni from across the globe, some of whom will be returning to their alma mater for the first time in decades.
The Honourable Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Mr. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, will be the Chief Guest, adding to the significance of the occasion.
A Weekend of Festivities
The weekend promises a variety of events, including a concert by well-known singer Akriti Kakar on October 18, followed by a spectacular Son et Lumière light and sound show the next day. The show will feature rare archival images from the 1880s that highlight the school’s rich history, projected onto the school’s iconic main building. Current BCS students will also take part in the show, offering performances that tie the past with the present.
Sports will play a key role in the celebrations, with friendly matches pitting alumni against current school teams, allowing former students to relive their youthful days while engaging with the next generation. A special chapel service will also be held, further underlining the spiritual legacy that has been at the heart of Bishop Cotton School for more than a century and a half.
A series of publications will be unveiled during the celebrations, including Pegasus, a collection of poetry by BCS students, and a reprint of the school’s history book, Overcome Evil with Good. The school will also release a Special Cover and Cancellation, a prized keepsake for alumni and collectors alike.
In a nod to the modern era, the BCS School App will also be launched, aimed at strengthening connections between the school and its alumni around the world.
Honouring the Past and the Present
Among the many guests expected to attend is Henry Jodrell, a descendant of Bishop George Cotton, who will be travelling from the UK for the event. Jodrell expressed his pride in the school’s enduring legacy, saying, “It is a great honour to tread in the footsteps of my great-great-great-grandfather. His legacy is not just in the buildings, but in the spirit of learning and fellowship that continues to thrive here.”
Simon Weale, the current Director of BCS, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing how far the school has come since its founding. “BCS has evolved from a small institution serving middle-ranking British officials into a globally recognized school that has helped shape modern India. Our alumni have excelled in every field, from public service to business and the arts. This is a celebration not just of our past, but of the values that continue to guide us.”
Weale also spoke of the school’s continued commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals. “At BCS, we challenge our students to be the best versions of themselves, not just academically, but in all aspects of life. This weekend is a testament to the strength of our community, the ‘Cottonian Spirit’, and the future we are building.”
A Legacy of Leadership
Over its 165-year history, Bishop Cotton School has produced an illustrious roster of alumni who have gone on to become leaders in fields as diverse as public service, business, the arts, and more. The school’s rich legacy, built on discipline, intellectual growth, and character-building, continues to inspire new generations of students as they prepare for global roles in an increasingly interconnected world.
The Old Cottonian’s Weekend will undoubtedly be a celebration to remember, bringing together the past, present, and future of one of India’s most iconic educational institutions.
