Akhilesh Yadav has solved a puzzle for his alma mater. It now knows who to invite as chief guest for its golden jubilee celebration later this year. Dholpur's Military School has hosted quite a few CMs. None, however, had the special tag Akhilesh wears — former student (1983-1990). Akhilesh's former teachers and classmates are upbeat. And they have been waxing eloquent on him.

“He kept a low profile, was a pleasant person and an above average student. No one ever complained about him,” recalled Meerut-based OP Bhatnagar, former principal of the school.

“Akhilesh cleared the entrance exam on his own merit and it was only after the admission list was finalised that his father met me,” Bhatnagar said.

SP Mishra, a former English teacher, remembered Akhilesh as an obedient, committed, and well-behaved student. Mishra, who now lives in Ajmer, was Akhilesh’s local guardian. “Mulayamji did not want his son to be arrogant,” he said.

Akhilesh’s senior Rajiv Tomar remembered him for gifting a TV to the school after passing out.

Piyush Badola, an Agra-based businessman, and a classmate of Akhilesh from the latter’s Military School, recalled, “He liked playing football and hockey." Badola, recalled Akhilesh introducing the class to his father when Yadav senior visited school after becoming CM.