Lalu Prasad Yadav Turns 78: RJD Celebrates with Social Justice Message and Grand Fanfare
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav marked his 78th birthday on Wednesday with a grand celebration that transcended personal festivity, becoming a political statement steeped in symbolism and legacy.
In a striking gesture of strength and tradition, Lalu Yadav cut a 78-pound cake with a ceremonial sword at his residence in Patna, surrounded by family members including daughter and Rajya Sabha MP Misa Bharti and son Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of the Opposition in Bihar. Thousands of supporters thronged the venue, turning the birthday into a festival of loyalty, emotion, and political solidarity. But the day was not just about celebration — it was a carefully choreographed message of social justice and unity.
June 11 Declared ‘Social Justice and Goodwill Day’
The RJD officially designated June 11 as “Samajik Nyay evam Sadbhavna Diwas” (Social Justice and Goodwill Day), with state-wide events organised to honour Lalu Yadav’s ideological contributions. Across Bihar and in several parts of the country, RJD workers engaged in food distribution drives, tree plantation campaigns, distribution of books to children, and community outreach efforts focused on Dalits, Mahadalits, minorities, and other marginalised groups — a reflection of the former Bihar CM’s lifelong commitment to uplifting the oppressed.
In Delhi, the student wing of RJD celebrated on JNU campus, calling Lalu Yadav “the voice of the voiceless” and “a symbol of resistance.” Posters and speeches hailed him as a trailblazer of social equality.
Nationwide Wishes Pour In
The day also saw an outpouring of wishes from across the political spectrum.Tejashwi Yadav took to social media, calling his father “a teacher of struggle and sacrifice,” and saying, “Your values are our biggest wealth.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in a heartfelt note, lauded Lalu Yadav’s unwavering support for the marginalised, writing: “Your life has been full of struggle, yet you’ve always raised your voice for the unheard. I wish you good health and a long life.”Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary also extended warm greetings, setting aside political differences to wish Lalu Prasad Yadav “good health and longevity.”
Legacy of Leadership and Reform
Born on June 11, 1947, in Fulwaria village of Gopalganj district, Lalu Prasad Yadav rose from humble beginnings to become one of India’s most influential political figures. He served as both the Chief Minister of Bihar and the Union Railway Minister, earning praise for turning around the Indian Railways during his tenure.
His most enduring legacy remains his implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations, which reshaped India’s social fabric and brought the issue of caste-based equity to the forefront of national discourse.
From Leader to Legacy
More than just a birthday, this year’s celebration reflected how Lalu Yadav has transitioned from a political leader to a living legacy. The day’s events demonstrated that his influence goes beyond electoral politics — into the realm of ideology, activism, and grassroots mobilisation.
