1. Humble beginnings: My first photograph ever as a student of Miller High School in Patna (1964–65).
2. ‘Lalu Mahatma aaya hai’: How girls in Patna University rooted for me back then. My actions against eve-teasers in the campus had made me a popular figure amongst women.
3. The days of hope and revolution: Arrested along with two of my friends during the JP Movement in 1974.
4. In politics, there are no permanent friends and enemies: Visiting Sharad Yadav, who was injured in a police lathi-charge, in a Patna hospital in 1989.
5. Despite having tremendous respect for Devi Lal, I backed V.P. Singh for the prime ministership. Seen here with the Raja of Manda in 1990.
6. Taking oath for the first time in 1990 as the Chief Minister of Bihar. The venue was Gandhi Maidan and the statue of my mentor, JP, loomed large.
7. A moment with myself at 1, Anne Marg, in 1990.
8. Blow hot, blow cold: With Nitish at my official residence in 1990–91.
9. I have been a cowherd, but never stooped to ‘cow politics’ (1990).
10. Knowing the pulse of the people, the ‘Loha Singh’ way. At a Garib rally in Patna, 1991.
11. 1, Anne Marg would come alive with delightful aromas and even more delightful company (1991–92).
12. Heralding the arrival of Lord Krishna on Janmashtami at 1, Anne Marg.
13. My mother, Marachia Devi, passed away in 1990 and the then Deputy Prime Minister Shri Devi Lal paid a visit.
14. Chhath carries great significance in Bihar. Despite my busy schedule as Chief Minister, I make it a point to perform the rituals.
15. What a day it has been! At 1, Anne Marg in 1996.
16. It’s a festive occasion at the Chief Minister’s residence and what better way to celebrate than to be with my child.
17. Politics and Bollywood, a heady concoction for the Indian masses. When Mahesh Bhatt, Pooja Bhatt and John Abraham came visiting 1, Anne Marg, in 1996.
18. And you thought I had fans only in politics? Film star Manisha Koirala is clearly amused by this man-animal bonhomie.
19. Sharing the stage with veteran socialist leader and then Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and senior Karnataka leader Ramakrishna Hegde.
20. Learning from a stalwart: With Jyoti Basu at a public meeting in 1996.
21. Always leading from the front: Holding the party flag in front of Garib Rath in 1995–96.
22. Passing the baton to my wife, Rabri Devi, who was elected unanimously by the party. Taking oath as Chief Minister for the first time.
23. A prisoner of conscience—at least, many say so. In judicial custody in Patna in 1998.
24. And it’s a reverse sweep from the President of Bihar Cricket Association! Now you know where Tejashwi got his cricketing genes from.
25. On the eve of Lathi rally, one of my supporters gets the other end of the stick. Rabriji is all smiles at my candour.
26. Holding fort against RSS-BJP in 2004 with socialist ideologue and senior party colleague Shivanand Tiwary.
27. Not afraid to eat one! Spicing up my dahi-chuda on a Makar Sankranti day at 1, Anne Marg.
28. Coalition dharma takes centre stage at a public rally in 2003–04. Seen here with Sonia Gandhi, Sharad Pawar and Tariq Anwar.
29. It was and still is a relationship of mutual respect with Bharat ki Bahu, Sonia Gandhi. At a public rally in 2003–04.
30. My train is on the ‘right’ track. As Minister of Railways in 2004–05.
31. Bringing nostalgia to the rail journey: My initiative to introduce kulhars (clay cups) was received with much warmth by the great Indian middle class.
32. Always ready to serve my masters—the people of Bihar. Addressing a public meeting in the hinterland in 2010.
33. I am offering the traditional arghya while Rabri Devi is in the Chhath pond. Tej Pratap is also an enthusiastic participant.
34. An embrace that didn’t last long! With Nitish Kumar during the Mahagathbandhan against BJP in 2015.
35. There is no rift between my Krishna and Balram. Tej Pratap and Tejashwi at a party event in 2017.
36. It was a joyous occasion for the entire family when my eldest son Tej Pratap tied the knot with Aishwarya Rai, daughter of former RJD lawmaker Chandrika Rai, in May 2018. I was out on parole to bless the couple.