Bishop Cotton School (BCS), Shimla, one of India’s premier boys’ boarding schools, is celebrating 165 years of excellence in education. Recently ranked No. 1 in the Vintage Boys’ Boarding Schools category by Education World Magazine (2024/25), BCS holds a distinguished legacy as one of Asia’s oldest public schools for boys, founded in 1859 by Bishop George Edward Lynch Cotton.
Old Cottonian’s Weekend 2024: A Grand Celebration of Legacy
The Old Cottonian’s Weekend (October 18-20, 2024) marks a significant milestone in BCS’s journey, uniting alumni from around the world to celebrate the institution’s rich history and lasting impact on global education.
Event Highlights
The three-day celebration began with a spectacular music concert by renowned singer Akriti Kakar on October 18th. This was followed by an awe-inspiring Son et Lumière light and sound show, featuring rare images from the 1880s and performances by current students. The weekend also featured sports matches between alumni and school teams, a special chapel service, and the unveiling of notable publications, including:
- “Pegasus,” a poetry collection by BCS students
- A reprint of the history book “Overcome Evil with Good”
- A Special Cover and Cancellation by the GPO
- The official launch of the BCS School App
Special Guests and Global Presence
Distinguished Old Cottonians were in attendance, along with Henry Jodrell, a direct descendant of Bishop George Cotton, who traveled from the UK to join the celebrations. The gathering of alumni from around the globe highlights the enduring Cottonian Spirit that unites BCS’s vast community.
Bishop Cotton School’s Legacy of Excellence
Reflecting on the event, Simon Weale, Director of Bishop Cotton School, said, “Bishop Cotton School is celebrating 165 years of building leaders. Founded in 1859, the same year as Charles Darwin’s ‘Origin of Species,’ BCS has overcome challenges to become a globally recognized school. This event celebrates BCS’s role in shaping modern India.”
Weale emphasized BCS’s ongoing commitment to fostering intellectual growth, discipline, and character-building. “BCS challenges boys to be the best version of themselves through hard work, routine, and a healthy lifestyle. This weekend is a celebration of that legacy.”
