Ranchi, Dec. 3: Diwali?s long gone and there?s still some time to go for Christmas. But DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir, Shyamli, is in a mood to celebrate.

Reason: the selection of former student of the school Mahender Singh Dhoni to the Indian cricket team.

Principal D.R. Singh told The Telegraph: ?This is not only an honour for Jharkhand but also for our school. His selection in the Team India will go a long way in inspiring other students of the school. All of us here have conveyed our good wishes to him for a bright future.?

Dhoni was in DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir, Shyamli, since nursery. In 1997, he cleared his Class X and took up commerce. He passed his Class XII examination in 1999 from the school.

Dhoni?s former class teacher, who taught him accounts and business, Sharmistha Kumar recalled him as being ?one of the sweetest, most well mannered and humblest boys? in the batch.

?He spent a lot of time on the field, playing cricket, and when he came to class, I asked used to him ?My God, Dhoni you have missed so many classes. What you will do now?? And he used to say, ?Ma?m you tell me how can I cope with my studies and my cricket given the limited time?? Any teacher was ready to help him because he was so polite and humble,? she gushed.

Kumar reminisced how in Class XI, Dhoni devoted all his time to playing cricket.

?But he knew he had to pass his Class XII. So, all the teachers helped him out and he did clear his final examination. He was popular among the students, too. Another praise-worthy quality in him was that he never indulged in gossip. I am so proud of him. I sincerely hope he makes a mark in the game.?

?When I learnt of his selection, I distributed sweets to all the teachers in school as it was a very special moment for me,? she added with a smile.

Students of the school, too, are thrilled. Nishant Gaurav, captain of Tilak House, said: ?I have also decided to become a good cricketer and make it to the Indian team through hard work and determination. Dhoni has inspired aspiring cricketers so much that many have pledged to follow in his footsteps.?

Administrative officer of the school Raj Kumar said: ?Dhoni was one of the most disciplined students of the school. He was a very good player but he never let that go to his head. He was very humble and friendly with everyone. He was a good student, too, though most of his time was spent on cricket.?

According to Raj Kumar, Dhoni?s made people sit up and take notice when he scored 400 runs and played 40 overs during an inter-school match between DAV and Central School.

Dean of students? welfare S.N. Thakur said Dhoni was always game for all kinds of extra-curricular activities.