It began in 1865 as a school within the confines of a small house in High Grounds with an aim to educate European and Eurasian children with limited resources. As the years rolled by, it turned out illustrious students such as former Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani and ex-Home Secretary G.K. Pillai. The Bishop Cotton School is now firmly entrenched as a Bangalore landmark.
The boys’ school has a rich legacy. Set up by Rev. Samuel Thomas Pettigrew, Chaplain of St. Mark’s Church, it received patronage from the then Indian Viceroy, Lord Canning.
Now, as the Bishop Cotton Boys’ School and the Bishop Cotton Girls’ School enter their 150th year, the school management has invited all those associated with the institution, including former principals and wardens, to commemorate the event. A long line-up of activities and events have been organised.
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At a press conference here on Monday, John K. Zachariah, principal of the school, said the celebrations would be inaugurated on June 29 and end the same day next year. The Archbishop of Dublin, Micheal Geoffry Jackson, is expected to participate in the event.
Mr. Zachariah said a museum, an archive, and a two storied, 16-bed medical centre would also be inaugurated on the school premises.
A foundation stone for a new block called the “Sesqui Sentinel Block” will be laid by the former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on June 29.
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To make its sesquicentenary memorable, a stamp of the school is to be released next year. Mr. Zachariah said he was waiting for the nod of the philatelic sub-committee.
Some of the other events include an all-India cricket tournament for Cottonians across the country, outreach programmes, carnivals and seminars. A medal will be given to a distinguished past student in a programme titled “Order of Cottonians”. The former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor will participate in the graduation day ceremony in January.