Bishop Cotton School, Shimla (BCS), recently organized a visit for its students to meet the beloved Indian children’s author, Ruskin Bond, ahead of his 89th birthday celebration in Mussoorie. Bond, who fondly reminisces about his time at the British boarding school in Shimla during the 1940s, welcomed representatives from the Junior, Middle, and Senior sections of BCS for an interview and interaction.
Ruskin Bond’s Time at BCS
Ruskin Bond’s literary works often revolve around his experiences at the British boarding school, where he formed friendships with students from diverse backgrounds, including Pakistan, Germany, Britain, Thailand, and various parts of India. In gratitude, Bond expressed his indebtedness to BCS, crediting the school for nurturing his love for books and reading in its library, where he penned his first short story. He emphasized that BCS instills valuable traits of politeness and manners, which have served him and many other Cottonians throughout their lives.
Preserving Heritage and Traditions
Established in 1859, Bishop Cotton School proudly upholds its traditional heritage, maintaining many of its age-old routines. The school’s commitment to physical fitness remains evident as students continue to engage in daily early morning physical training (PT) sessions. Additionally, BCS offers various sports activities such as shooting, boxing, and swimming, all of which have inspired Ruskin Bond’s literary works. Notably, Bond’s school days coincided with the politically turbulent 1940s, during the ‘Quit India’ movement, necessitating senior students to guard the dormitories with rifles due to unrest and riots in Shimla (then Simla).
Ruskin Bond’s School Days
Ruskin Bond attended Bishop Cotton School for a duration of eight years, from 1943 to 1950. During his time there, he served as the Ibbetson House Captain and filled his books with delightful anecdotes from his school days, often featuring amusing characters, including a teacher who kept a pigeon in the classroom and another who employed caning as punishment for misbehavior.
Gratitude and Celebration
The school boys expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to meet Ruskin Bond in person, hear his stories firsthand, and present him with birthday gifts in anticipation of his upcoming celebration. The entire session was recorded and will be shared with the rest of the school during the weekend.
Bishop Cotton School’s Legacy
With a rich history and enduring traditions, Bishop Cotton School has nurtured countless accomplished individuals over the years. Its alumni encompass distinguished figures from various fields, including the uniformed services, administration, business, industry, literature, and performing arts. By providing a strong foundation, the school empowers students to confidently embrace global roles in the future.
Conclusion
The visit by Bishop Cotton School boys to the renowned author Ruskin Bond in Mussoorie marked a significant event, allowing students to connect with the literary legacy of their school and gain valuable insights from a celebrated alumnus. Through their interaction with Bond, the students not only celebrated his upcoming birthday but also cherished the timeless values and traditions that make Bishop Cotton School an exceptional educational institution.
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