Comments for Old Cottonians Association

Comment on Bon appétit – from Al [Ashok] K. Stokes by Jai Joshi, MD

Jai Joshi, MD — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:49:27 +0000

In response to Dr, Santok Singh: I am in Houston, TX, and Deepak and Kusum Stokes are in CA. Congratulations on being professor of surgery.

Comment on Robin Gupta – “Unrepentant Civil Servant” by Gurpratap Singh Sahi

Gurpratap Singh Sahi — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:14:06 +0000

Lovely reading this piece. Look forward to the Book.Robin is special.

Gurpratap Singh Sahi…. I.A.S. ( Retd. )

Ibbetson : 1956

Comment on OCA UK Newsletter – Winter 2011 by Dick D'aBREU

Dick D'aBREU — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 02:44:56 +0000

I enjoy reading the newsletters from the OC’s in the UK. Great to see that the OC’s in Australia were mentioned. We miss the company of those that have passed away…Malcolm Petters and Peter Rollo. They will be forever remembered.

Peter Maidment of Sydney, Rivaz 1942, Jim Lee. Curzon 1942 in Canada and Dick D’Abreu. Curzon 1936 -46 keep in touch once a week through Skype.. It gives us great pleasure to have a chat on just about any topic…remembering our days at BCS, always brings a good laugh. I look forward to news from the Web Master Anil from time to time…very refreshing…Please keep it up.. Receiving the school paper The Mitre keeps me informed of how the school is progressing..
Best wishes to all Cottonians and Old Cottonians…Merry Christmas…and A Happy New Year. Dick D’Abreu.

Comment on Partap Sharma – Biography by ashoksopory C-56

ashoksopory C-56 — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 07:26:17 +0000

Mr PARTAP SHARMA was the Greatest ! A polished Gentleman of many facets. May His soul rest in eternal Peace.
Heartfelt condolences to his berieved Family.
Ashok Sopory C-56

Comment on Partap Sharma – Biography by David Deane

David Deane — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 06:55:06 +0000

I had the privilege of working with Partap Sharma on several occasions since 1985.

On the first occasion, when we established our Alma-Mater roots, he accepted me as a personal friend… I was given direct access to him/home. At every occasion, I was treated to lunch at his sea-face home. We would share many aspects of Audio-Visual topics.

On my last visitation, he had been diagnosed with COPD. We shared an overwhelming hour of spiritual and prayerful bliss. I fondly remember his face full of gratitude and joy!

As I write this Email, I am listening to the School’s QCent AV and visualise Partap doing his unforgettable Voice-Over.

I express my condolence to his family.

May his soul rest in peace.
With Warm Regards
David Deane
(Ibbetson 1963-72)

Comment on Partap Sharma – Biography by Vijay Khurana

Vijay Khurana — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:41:39 +0000

Dear Vijay,
A lot of us owe you our thanks for letting us know about the sad passing of Partap Sharma. I am a regular reader of the Times of India, and i do not think there was any announcement, unless I missed it. Even though I live in Mumbai, I had not been able to meet up with him for quite some time. I was corresponding with him when I was in the US till end August 2010, and we had talked about getting together on my return. I tried him on his mobile phone several times late last year and earlier this year, but was not able to get a response. The last time I heard from him was when he announced by e-mail about the passing of his brother, Rajiv.
He was every bit that Malvika Sanghvi has described him to be. May God rest his soul in peace.
Best Regards,
Surinder S. Ahluwalia
Ibbetson 1952-1956

Comment on BCS in WW2 – by David M. Wood-Robinson by P Maidment

P Maidment — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 02:00:27 +0000

Hi Bob,
I vaguely remember you. Perhaps if I knew any of your friends I would be able to recall what you looked like.
Those days at BCS were some of my best memories. I am glad there are other OC’s that feel the same.
I am still in contact with Dick D’Abreu and Jim Lee and we even speak to each other on Skype. There is nothing more enjoyable than being in touch with old friends.
Hope life is being good to you.
Peter Maidmant

Comment on BCS in WW2 – by David M. Wood-Robinson by R.A.Myers

R.A.Myers — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:57:34 +0000

Delighted to read David Wood- Robinson’s reminiscences, He was in my House when I was Captain of Ibbetson in 1944 and 1945. We were in the same form and took our School Cert exam together in 1944. We both got Grade 1′s but he was clever and, if I remember right he was always top of the Form. We both left in 1945 to return to England.. I went to Cambridge and I believe he went to Oford, but we lost touch. I think 2 or 3 others from our Form also went to Oxbridge. Maung Sein Min was at Cambridge, as was Alan Bapty.
I also well remember Dick D-Abreu, Pete Maidment (a great singer), his great chum Peter Rollo (whose Mum taught me French !), Jimmy Lee (hugely tall and a great swimmer), Andy Gilmour (I was in the school hockey team with him in 1944), and Ken Magnoni. Apart from Andy, these chaps were 4 or 5 years my senior, as was John Banon from Kulu (Manali). However, John’s younger brother was my contemporary and a good chum of mine. We both boxed for the School and he was in my team when I was captain in 1944 and we secretly celebrated our release from strict dieting after the Sanawar match (which we won) after lights out with a feast of curry and chapatties and Indian sweets which we had illiciyly set up with the Chowkidar in his house just above the main school gates!
Happy memories and I would love to hear from David Wood-Robinsn or anyone else who remembers me.
Cheers. Bob Myers (for some reason knick-named Stoneage! No idea why).

Comment on Bon appétit – from Al [Ashok] K. Stokes by Arun Basak (636) Lefroy

Arun Basak (636) Lefroy — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 21:10:20 +0000

Dear Stokes,
“… If my memory is correct, the person in the second row behind the 7th person from the left in the front row (the person with eye glasses) is Bentick ( I don’t know if I am spelling the name correctly; I don’t know if that is his first or last name). ”

Your memory does NOT serve you well, for the chap with glasses is me! I wonder whether you remember the raw onions that we kept in our school desks … Do you still draw and paint? You were first in many subjects- especially Art!!!

Great to know that you are still around!

Comment on Cottonian Polo Team Plays in Hawaii USA by Photos from the Cottonian Polo match in Hawaii | Old Cottonians Association

Photos from the Cottonian Polo match in Hawaii | Old Cottonians Association — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:45:00 +0000

[...] Photos from the Cottonian Polo match in Hawaii Posted on October 12, 2011 by Editor Dear All, Here are some photos from the Cottonian Polo Team vs Hawaii Polo Team match, which was played in Hawaii. [...]

Comment on Batch of 1971 – 40th year reunion at BCS by Lt Col Vijay Singh Sandhu

Lt Col Vijay Singh Sandhu — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:27:32 +0000

Dear Ducky,
I am taking the liberty of forwarding your very kind email, since I believe that the credit for the success of our 40th Year Anniversary Celebrations needs to be shared by all our classmates who made the effort of spending 3 days/nights together on “Shimla’s Tree Crowned Hill’. All will agree that this was a success far beyond our expectations, particularly the bonding that took place between our wives (which is important for future get-togethers).The spirit of fun & laughter was infectious. It also was gratifying that all OC’s spent every waking moment in each others company & seemed to be genuinely sad when it was time to depart for ‘Home’, almost like “chag day”.

I think your suggestion of promoting to ’71 batch those OC’s from other batches who made time & attended our get-together is great. May I request all those who are in touch to forward this email to Uppi Gill, Jaipal Chauhan, Shiv Kapoor, Guri Mann etc. Thanks for joining & making our celebrations such fun.

We hope & pray that those who could not join us for the 40th, Will be able to join in future get togethers. Lovely Bawa we accept with thanks your invite to host a Dinner at Delhi in the near future, please keep us all informed of your travel plans to this part of the world.

As a result of the success of this get together some Delhi based wives have floated the idea that we could have a monthly class of ’71 meet (dinner) on perhaps the first Friday/Sunday of each month which could be hosted by one of the 12-14 Delhi based ’71 batch OC’s on a rotation basis. For those who are bachelors or having domestic help issues, the other wives attending could ‘bring a dish’ & help with the ‘Pot Luck’. In this way all those who are available could meet & the host would be free to invite any other OC’s from any batch with whom they are in contact. In case this seems of interest, I could host the first dinner on December 2nd, 2011 at my residence. All those who can attend please confirm.

Cheers …..

Vikram Sodhi

On Wed, Oct 5, 2011 at 2:37 PM, Vijay Singh Sandhu wrote:
Dear Vikram,
I would like to put on record appreciation of your initiative , and acumen in organizing a splendid 1971 do.I nominate Vikram Singh Sodhi as Prefect of OCs of 71 batch.Well done Vikram the true son of the Guru!

It was a moment in life well cherished ,and will be remembered with fondness.We all 56-58 years old got to be 18 years old,no mean achievement .The whole do was a great success,it was a pleasure seeing each of us well married ,settled,and renewing our old bonds at ‘Shimla’s Tree Crowned Hill’

Vikram I request we promote Jaipal,Shiv & Uppi to 71 batch ,they deserve the honor . Do put them on our mailing list too.It was indeed a pleasure to have them join the merriment .Special thanks to Jaipal for hosting us at Plaza,the old memories came back when we shared,mutton muggas,mutton korma,liver curry,chicken curry,dal makhani etc.Of old days ,Jaipyal’s delicious apples were omnipresent each year in Lefroy dorms ,thanks Jaipal !

May we thank Bansi ,for the effort he went through to be with us all.We all know Bansi can reach the end of any task when we all cheer ‘Come on Bansi…… ….. !!!!!! Come on Bansi…….!!!!!!! Thanks for being such a sport. ‘We’l see you onward still ! Buck up Bansi…!!!! We thank Bansi for the the delicious chocolates he presented to The dancing ladies……I stole a piece in the spirit of tuck is expected to be marrowed (stolen )! We wish to see you often on re unions ,get-togethers ,etc.yes I’l see you at Delhi Golf Club.

I would like to document a side light :- Sao and myself had a Table Tennis match at Woodville,and Sao 2 was defeated 12-21,21-16,21-19.Yes it was a cliff hanger ………..! I consider it an achievement to have beaten Sao 2 ,at TT ,as he and Mathur were TT champions at BCS.I always wanted to play and beat Sao 2.Even at the expense of Being

conceited ,I think it no mean achievement .

Thanks to his having got married ,he regrettably gets no time to talk to himself.It was a pleasure seeing Prithvi Singh Nat carry and fetch.Nat has impressed all our wives with his easy confidence ,fairness ,saying grace,and giving a balanced and appropriate speech for the athletic meet.In fact our wife’s are impressed with the ease with which he leads so many strong individual personalities.PS you continue to be Captain of us all ,we enjoy seeing ,hearing and being in your presence.
We take pleasure in voting Prem as the Debonair 71 OC .Yes he was that dashing flashing ramp model.Thanks Prem its always a pleasure seeing you.Sometimes you make one jealous ( pun intended ).

Soni had brought Tuck for all of us ,( Fruitella ) which he forgot in his car every time.Any way that’s fine as we all had our fair share at BCS as students.Soni were you once again hiding tuck from Bolina? Ha ! Ha !

We all missed Bolina,Kaku Bond,Mandeep Singh,Raju S,Bhardwaj,Mankotia 1,Bawa 1&2,Sengupta,Shorty etc.We all respectfully ,warmly remember the ones who’r no more,namely Sawhney,Ruby & Bhatia.May their soul rest in peace!

I was very impressed with the head master,his pleasant personality and comfortable attitude helped us feel at ease and at home. He’s the first hands on Headmaster,he was everywhere,overseeing,directing,guiding,correcting,photographing,socializing etc .The school to is doing very well under his guidance.

I have the photos which I shall down load as soon as I knowhow and where to do so.
Do have the Cipu painting framed.

Vikram you’v got us re charged,do think of the next do.

Your Class mate of 71

Ducky !

Sent from my iPad

On Sep 14, 2011, at 1:23 PM, vikram sodhi wrote:

Dear ’71 Batch OC’s,

Attached is the email from the Headmaster confirming the timing of the functions at school on both 29 & 30 Sept.

Looking forward to a fun 40th year celebrations of the class of ’71.

Warm Regards

Vikram Sodhi

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: headmaster
Date: Wed, Sep 14, 2011 at 10:38 AM
Subject: Re: 40th year Reunion of the class of ’71
To: vikram sodhi

Dear Mr. Sodhi,

Thank you for your email. I would like to inform you that as the duration of the School Fete on the 29th September 2011 being from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. there would be no school lunch on the said date. However, you are most welcome to join the main school for lunch in the dining hall at 12:30 p.m. on the 30th September 2011 (Sports Day). The sporting events and P.T. Display will commence at 2:30 p.m.

I shall look forward to meeting the Batch of ’71.

With good wishes.

Yours faithfully,

R.C. Robinson
The Headmaster
—– Original Message —–
From: vikram sodhi
To: headmaster
Sent: Friday, September 09, 2011 12:04 PM
Subject: Re: 40th year Reunion of the class of ’71

Dear Headmaster Robinson,

I am pleased to inform you that we can expect a record turnout from the class of ’71 for our 40th year reunion in Shimla. At present almost 20 couples have confirmed attendance. Sir, please be prepared to have many of us join in the fete celebrations of 29 Sept & all of us being present at the sports day of the 30 Sept. Since the plan is to spend the days at BCS, may I request that the school host us in the boys Dining Hall for Lunch on both days. (we will be prepared to pay for the Lunch(s) kindly inform of charges)

I would also appreciate if you could inform us of the Timings for the functions of both 29 & 30 Sept so that we can ensure maximum attendance.

Looking forward to visiting the School once again.

With Best Regards

Vikram Singh Sodhi
C 62-71
Member- Executive Committee OCA (India)

On Tue, Jul 26, 2011 at 3:50 PM, headmaster wrote:
Dear Mr. Sodhi,

Thank you for your email. You and the Class of 1971 are more than welcome to visit your Alma Mater on the 29th and 30th September 2011. However, I would like to inform you that it will not be possible and practical to arrange a fun cricket match on the 30th September 2011 either before or after the sporting events as the Second Flat would be in readiness for the meet in the afternoon which would conclude quite late.

With good wishes.

Yours faithfully,

R.C. Robinson
The Headmaster
—– Original Message —–
From: vikram sodhi
To: headmaster@bishopcotton.com
Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 2:27 PM
Subject: 40th year Reunion of the class of ’71

Dear Headmaster Robinson,

I refer to our brief telephonic conversation of yesterday 25 July, when I had sought your advise on our planned 40th year reunion for the class of ’71. As per your advise we have decided to change our dates to the 29-30 September,2011. We would be delighted to visit the school during the School Fete on the 29 Sept & witness the sports day celebrations of the 30 September, 2011. May I request if you could schedule a Limited overs fun cricket match Class of ’71 OC’s vs BCS Colts after your official function on 30 Sept.

Looking forward to visiting the School once again.

With Best Regards
C 62-71

Vikram Sodhi

Comment on Batch of 1971 – 40th year reunion at BCS by Col Vijay Singh Sandhu ( Ducky )

Col Vijay Singh Sandhu ( Ducky ) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 05:12:22 +0000

Dear Vikram,
I would like to put on record my wife Bubbles & myselfs appreciation of your effort in putting us together just where we long to be.
Thanks for thanking Mr Robinson fo the opening doors to make us at home.
Regards
Ducky. (Vijay Singh Sandhu,L 1967-1971)

Comment on BEST YEARS OF MY LIFE [at Bishop Cotton School] by BRIJESH NARAIN CURZON----1954

BRIJESH NARAIN CURZON----1954 — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:40:19 +0000

Hi Jal—It was a real pleasure to read “Best years of my life”—brought back happy memories of our schooldays.I was looking forward to meeting you in Simla for the BCS Sesquicentennial Celebrations in October 2009.We had the pleasure of meeting a delelation of old Cottonions from Pakistan as also Football & Cricket teams from Aitchison College, Lohore. As you may recollect, during our school days,the centre door
for the Irwin Hall always remained closed—during the celebrations this door was reopened for the return of the Old Cottonions and we were privileged to walk through the door. P.K.Kaul,Behram Irani,Daljit Singh,Wendy Dewan were there for the celebrations.10 cottonions from the batch of 1954 stayed at a Resort on
“Sudden Death’.Warm Regards & look forward to meeting you—Brijesh Narain.

Comment on BCS stands 3rd rank among the top 10 Boarding Schools in India by mehul

mehul — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:04:05 +0000

Me tooooooooooooooooo bro I feel proud.
But why 3rd it has the capability to have the first position!

Comment on BEST YEARS OF MY LIFE [at Bishop Cotton School] by Editor

Editor — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 01:45:09 +0000

Mr. Boga responds:
The photograph of Lord Mountbatten’s visit is with me in my album at Karachi and on my next visit in early November will scan and send it over.

Comment on BEST YEARS OF MY LIFE [at Bishop Cotton School] by Editor

Editor — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:47:56 +0000

Jal Boga asked to post this message on his behalf:

I would like to thank the following O.C’s who very kindly thanked me for my article with their very touching appreciation – BALJIT SINGH, B.M.SINGH, RAJIV MALHOTRA, NARINDER CHAUHAN, SANTOKH SINGH, YOGESH MEHRA, LT.COL.U.S.GILL, ASHWANI SINGH, BALWANT SINGH AND IPPY MALIK.

Comment on BCS stands 3rd rank among the top 10 Boarding Schools in India by archit gupta

archit gupta — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:17:07 +0000

i am being a proud student today ! In 2008 we were ranked 21 . I remember , with a heading “WHERE ARE WE
” ??? and india’s 10 best BOARDING schools were displayed at the notice board . BUT NOW i’ll proudly say IT’S 3RD …..!! keep it up!! definetely we will always stand up with ”OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD”….

Comment on BCS stands 3rd rank among the top 10 Boarding Schools in India by Iftikhar Malik

Iftikhar Malik — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 07:10:19 +0000

Strange.BCS is the best as it has all for boys…..the best faculty,best classrooms and excellent sporting and boarding facilities and a long long history which no other school can match.I would ask for a review.

Comment on BCS stands 3rd rank among the top 10 Boarding Schools in India by Gurdeep Singh

Gurdeep Singh — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 05:52:10 +0000

Heartiest Congrats and very well done indeed to the Board of Governors, the Headmaster, Staff and students for maintaining the progress and improving further on the previous ranking of 4th, is very rewarding indeed.
As I found during the ascent of Kilimanjaro last year, ascent to the top is always very tough, but with the neccessary determination, grit, resiliance and tenacity it is possible to make the top, and once attained is very rewarding indeed!
Keep up the improvement.
Gurdeep Singh
(Lefroy:1953-1960)

Comment on BCS stands 3rd rank among the top 10 Boarding Schools in India by badal singh

badal singh — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 05:24:18 +0000

And this makes u proud.????????? The only good thing about this is ……we share 3rd place with Welhams