Cottonian Hope Foundation event at BCS, Shimla

25 September 2022

Cottonians bring joy to cancer sufferers

Bishop Cotton School (BCS) Shimla welcomed local cancer patients from the IGMC hospital to the school for a day of fun, entertainment and celebration.  Local hero Sarbjeet Singh Bobby had challenged the Cottonians to put on an event that would bring some joy to those suffering from cancer.  He already runs the Roti bank for the day schools, but the Bishop Cotton boys wanted to help in their own way.   

Several buses ferried the patients and their carers into BCS where they enjoyed a special multi-faith service in Hindi and English that the children put together with prayers and songs of praise. Later the boys put on a mini fete with a band, dancing and games where the patients could win prizes. 

BCS Director, Simon Weale, said:  “The whole day was a wonderful experience and the children brought joy and happiness for a moment to these local patients who are going through some very difficult treatment.  The Cottonians made us all proud as they sung beautiful songs of praise, played music in the band, danced the Nati with the patients and acted as waiters serving up food. Thanks must go to all involved in this joyous occasion, especially Sarbjeet Bobby, our BCS Chaplain, music teachers and musicians. Also to the driving force behind the day was Mitansh (Class 10) and the Cottonian Hope Foundation Committee started by the boys.”

BCS is one of the oldest residential schools in Asia (founded 1859) and has played a fundamental role in shaping the development of public schools and education in India as well as producing a host of well-known and successful alumni. 

Photos credit: BCS Photography club Yatish Bansal