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Bishop Cotton School, Shimla Celebrates 165 Years of Legacy and Excellence with Old Cottonian’s Weekend 2024

October 2024 – Bishop Cotton School (BCS), Shimla, is celebrating 165
years of educational excellence as one of India’s premier all-boys’ boarding schools.
Recently ranked No. 1 in the Vintage Boys’ Boarding Schools category by Education World
Magazine (2024/25 issue), BCS has a storied history as one of Asia’s oldest public schools
for boys, founded in 1859 by Bishop George Edward Lynch Cotton.
The Old Cottonian’s Weekend celebration, to be held from October 18-20, 2024, marks a
significant milestone in the school’s journey, bringing together alumni from across the globe
to celebrate the institution’s enduring legacy.


Event Highlights
The weekend is packed with exciting events, beginning with a music concert by renowned
singer Akriti Kakar on October 18th.

The following day will feature a spectacular Son et
Lumière light and sound show, showcasing rare archive images from the 1880s that
depict the school’s rich history and diverse community. The multi-format show, projected on
the school’s main building, will include performances by current BCS students.
The event will also include sports matches between alumni and the current school teams, a
special chapel service, and the release of publications that commemorate the school’s
165-year journey. Among the notable releases will be a Special Cover and Cancellation by
the GPO, and two publications: “Pegasus,” a collection of poetry by BCS students, and
a reprint of the history book, “Overcome Evil with Good.” In addition, the BCS School
App will be officially launched during the celebrations.


Honoured Guests
The weekend will bring together distinguished Old Cottonians, along with a special guest,
Henry Jodrell, a descendant of Bishop George Cotton, who is making a special trip from the
UK to join the celebrations. This global gathering is a testament to the “Cottonian Spirit” that
continues to unite the school’s vast community.


Quotes
Reflecting on the event, Simon Weale, Director of Bishop Cotton School, said, “Bishop
Cotton School is celebrating its 165th birthday. Founded in 1859, the same year that Charles
Darwin published his book on the ‘Origin of Species,’ the school has evolved from a small
institution for middle-ranking British officials into a globally recognized Indian school. BCS
has endured many challenges over the years, but in overcoming them, it has shaped
modern India by producing leaders in every field, including public service, business, and the
arts. This will be a celebration to remember.”
Weale also emphasized the school’s ongoing commitment to excellence, stating, “BCS
prides itself on challenging young people to be the best version of themselves. The legacy of
Bishop Cotton, Shimla, is about teaching boys to succeed through hard work, routine,
training, and a healthy lifestyle. This event is a celebration of that legacy.”


About Bishop Cotton School
Bishop Cotton School was founded in 1859 by Bishop George Edward Lynch Cotton, a
British educationalist who had served as Headmaster at Marlborough College, UK, before
coming to India. Over its 165-year history, BCS has produced a distinguished roster of alumni, including leaders in public service, business, arts, and more. Its alumni network
spans the globe, with many graduates excelling in various fields, both in India and
internationally.
The school is committed to providing a world-class education that equips its students to take
on global roles, with a strong emphasis on discipline, intellectual growth, and character-
building.

For more information on Bishop Cotton School and the 165th Anniversary Celebrations,
please see our program attached here

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