Graduation 2025

On the 2nd of February, an august gathering of 574 graduates from Grades 10 and 12 of Bishop Cotton Boys’ School stood with utmost gratitude and humility toward their alma mater, ready to take on greater responsibilities and push their limits. The theme of this year’s graduation was “Guided by Principles, Empowered for Life.”

The ceremony commenced with the singing of the School Song, stirring patriotism and the indomitable Cottonian spirit, followed by the lighting of the Lamp of Knowledge by Rev. Satish Timothy Paul, Vice President of the Karnataka Central Diocese (KCD), along with Rev. Christy Ganadasan, Rev. Christopher Samuel, Dr. Abraham Ebenezer (Education Convenor, KCD), esteemed board members, and the Chief Guest, Shri S. Madhu Bangarappa, Minister of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Shantinagar Constituency, accompanied by our Principal, Mr. Alistair R.A. Freese.

The welcome address was delivered by our Principal, who also felicitated the dignitaries, acknowledging their esteemed presence. This was followed by the Vice Principal and Coordinators of the School extending a formal welcome to all guests.

The Office Bearers of Cottons play a pivotal role in all school events and fests, bringing them to life with their selfless commitment and tireless efforts. Their leadership is a testament to the school’s enduring legacy of producing distinguished leaders. At the helm of this cohort were the Chief Office Bearers, who were felicitated during the ceremony:

• Nirav Reddy B.S. – School Captain’s Cup
• Pratham R. – Head of Day Scholars’ Cup
• Advait Narain – Head of Boarders’ Cup

In his speech, the outgoing School Captain reflected on his transformative journey at Cottons, emphasizing the profound impact the school has had on every graduate. He spoke of how his years at Cottons instilled in him the courage and confidence to face challenges, urging his batchmates and juniors to embrace the same resilience in their future endeavours.

The Chief Guest, Shri S. Madhu Bangarappa, addressed the gathering, commending the school for shaping young men of fine stature and contributing significantly to society.

To honour exemplary leadership, the Prefects and Office Bearers were recognized:

• Best Senior All-Rounder – Aditya Dan Pednekar
• Best Senior Prefect – Chirag Kothari
• Maiden Cup – Ishan Joshi
• Best Junior All-Rounder – Daksh A. Singhvi
• Best Junior Prefect – Glenn Harel
• Best Boarding Prefect (Senior) – Priyanshu Agarwal
• Best Boarding Prefect (Junior) – Anurag Bhagat
• Mathan Memorial Award for Character and Leadership – Enoch Vineet

In recognition of their dedicated and selfless service, 18 teaching and non-teaching staff members retired this year. A special award was presented to Mr. Sunil, a non-teaching staff member of the Middle School, for his unwavering dedication, having not taken a single day’s leave in 14 years.

The ceremony also featured Rev. Christopher Samuel, Secretary of the KCD, who delivered a poignant message on behalf of the Bishop, Rt. Rev. Martin C. Borgai. Representing the parents, Lt. Cdr. (Retd.) Agin Kumar C., father of Glenn Harel and an Officer of the Indian Navy specializing in Communication and Electronic Warfare, delivered an inspiring address. He likened life’s journey to a naval ship navigating storms, guided by an unseen yet powerful radar, urging the graduates to chase their dreams while mastering their emotions.

A significant moment of the evening was the handover of responsibility, as outgoing School Captain Nirav Reddy B.S. passed the mantle to the Principal, Mr. Alistair R.A. Freese, who in turn entrusted it to the Captain-Designate, Nitin Joseph.

The ceremony concluded with the Graduate’s Pledge, a solemn promise to uphold the school’s motto and remain loyal to the nation. This was followed by the Candle Lighting Ceremony, a powerful symbol of the transition from ignorance to enlightenment. As the graduates held their candles high, the ceremony drew to a close with the stirring strains of “Carry Your Candle, Go Light the World.”

Nec Dextrorsum, Nec Sinistrorsum