TNR News Network
Shimla:
In the spotlight over three missing students who were subsequently located, Bishop Cotton School (BCS) in Himachal Pradesh capital Shimla is a 165-year-old institution that carries a legacy far greater than the current news cycle: it is one of Asia’s oldest and most prestigious boys-only boarding schools and has produced some of India’s most influential figures across politics, business, literature, sports, defence and diplomacy.
Founded on July 28, 1859, by Bishop George Edward Lynch Cotton, BCS has remained a benchmark in British-style public school education in India. With its iconic houses — Curzon, Ibbetson, Lefroy and Rivaz — the school has nurtured students who would go on to lead nations, helm corporations, shape policy and influence generations.
From Ratan Tata to Dulat: Alumni who shaped modern India
Among BCS’s most celebrated alumni is Ratan Tata, the late Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Group and one of India’s most respected industrialists. Another distinguished Old Cottonian is AS Dulat, the former chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India’s external intelligence agency.
BCS also produced Virbhadra Singh, the late six-time Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, who served the state for decades and remains one of its most iconic political figures. Renowned author Ruskin Bond, recipient of the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, is also a proud Old Cottonian.
Stars in every sphere: Defence, sports, politics & arts
The BCS alumni list reads like a who’s who of Indian and global achievement:
• Jeev Milkha Singh (Ibbetson, batch of 1984): International golfer and the first Indian to join the European Tour.
• Fali Sam Nariman: Eminent jurist and constitutional expert.
• Bob Singh Dhillon: Billionaire real estate magnate and one of Canada’s top businessmen.
• Mayank Dagar (Batch of 2013, Ibbetson): Indian cricketer.
• Benjamin Gilani: Veteran actor known for his work in theatre and film.
• Lalit Modi: Founder of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
• Palden Thondup Namgyal: The last Chogyal (King) of Sikkim.
• Junaid Azim Mattu: Mayor of Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.
• Humayun Khan and Imran Ullah Khan: Former diplomats.
• Simranjit Singh Mann: Prominent politician.
• Raaja Bhasin: Noted historian and writer on Shimla.
• Kumar Gaurav: Bollywood actor
The school has also contributed significantly to the armed forces. Major Roy Farran (Curzon House) was the most decorated British soldier in World War II. Many Old Cottonians have served as Generals, Admirals, Air Marshals and top-ranking officials in both Indian and international defence services. Some made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
BCS’s strong house system fosters deep bonds among students and promotes a culture of competition and leadership. As alumnus Jeev Milkha Singh once shared, “Boarding school life teaches you to be independent… and builds a personality that can face challenges head-on.”
