The Annual Dinner of the Oxford and Cambridge Society of India is the main, formal event of the year. It is usually held in March of every year. In early years of the Society, this dinner was sometimes held on the same day as the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, and hence was known as the ‘Boat Race Dinner.’ For many years now, the date of the Boat Race has not been found to be convenient for the Annual Dinner of the Society.
The Annual General Meeting
OCSI is a charity registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860 (India). The Annual General Meeting is held in New Delhi before 30th September every year.
Third Thursday Drinks
In order to provide a regular and predictable way for members to meet each other in an informal manner, the Third Thursday Drinks are held nearly every month on (predictably!) the third Thursday of the month. At present the venue is the Coast Cafe in Hauz Khas Village (New Delhi).
Oxbridge Lecture Series
Soon to be launched in association with the British Council and the two universities (of Oxford and Cambridge). These will feature academics from the two universities in a dialogue with Indian academics and thinkers. The Oxbridge Lecture Series will be held once every two months.
Freshers Send-Off Reception
In order to welcome new scholars going up to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, OCSI holds a send-off reception in August/September every year. This enables the young scholars to meet each other and also get some information about the universities from veterans, while also providing alumni the opportunity to engage with the next generation of Oxbridge scholars.
The OCSI Ball
Started as a potential fund-raiser three years ago, the Oxford and Cambridge Society of India Ball has become one of the leading items on the winter social calendar of Delhi.
Nawab of Pataudi Cricket Challenge
OCSI has formed the Oxbridgians, the sports club of the Oxford and Cambridge Society of India, for gentlemen and ladies from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
In addition, we established the Nawab of Pataudi Cricket Challenge Cup, where the Oxbridgians play a leading British team (in 2015 we played the British High Commission). Begum Pataudi and her family have kindly consented to award the trophy to the winning team.
Inter-University Mixers
The annual inter-university mixer organised by OCSI at the Rick’s Bar is eagerly awaited by alumni from other UK and US universities. This has also been widely copied … with inter-university mixers now being organised by alumni of various universities.
Receptions and Talks / Other Events
In addition, there are a large number of receptions, talks and other events … some organised by the Oxford and Cambridge Society of India, others by the two universities, and sometimes by friends of OCSI (such as the British Council).