Colonel Lalit Rai’s sterling account of the role played by his battalion in the icy heights of Khalubar, coupled with first hand accounts of daring, death and triumph moved the 1200+ audience to tears. It was particularly poignant that General Thimayya had 50 years earlier in 1949 played an equally stellar role in Kargil. The guests included the General’s family, senior officers from all the Services, Old Boys, former Principals, former and present teachers & Masters, students of the senior School, public spirited individuals from differing walks of life and admirers of ‘Timmy’. The standing ovation that Colonel Rai received after his address was testimony of the fact that one was privileged to have been part of a memorable Cottonian event.

Colonel John Ellis, (Retired), Principal of BCBS delivered the Introductory Address. The lecture was followed by a robust Fellowship Dinner at the Anchor Lawns, Bangalore Club.