August 13, 2025, marked the 99th birth anniversary of Fidel Castro, a towering figure of the 20th century, revolutionary leader of Cuba, and a friend of India. H.K. Surjeet Bhawan in New Delhi was filled with diplomats, activists, students, and admirers, and the legacy of a man who reshaped his nation and inspired the oppressed across continents came vividly alive.
Fidel Castro: The Man and His India Connection
For many Indians, Castro was not just the bearded revolutionary who defied the might of the United States from a small Caribbean island. He was also the leader who walked alongside India’s statesmen—warmly greeting Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1983, embracing the Non-Aligned Movement as a brotherly cause, and championing a vision of a multipolar world where small nations could stand tall.
H.E. Juan Carlos Marsán Aguilera, Ambassador of Cuba to India began with a portrait of Castro’s life and struggle: “We gather here today to commemorate the 99th birth anniversary of one of the most influential political leaders of our time—Fidel Castro—a man whose vision, courage, and leadership transformed the course of Cuban history, inspired Latin America and the Caribbean, and left an indelible mark on the world.”
Born in 1926 in a small village in eastern Cuba, Castro’s journey from law student to revolutionary was forged in the fires of injustice. The Ambassador recalled how the 1952 coup by Fulgencio Batista, backed by the United States, convinced Fidel and his comrades that only an armed struggle could liberate Cuba from poverty, corruption, and dependency.
“From the attack on the Moncada Barracks, to exile in Mexico, to the epic guerrilla battles in the Sierra Maestra, and finally, the victorious entry into Havana in January 1959—Fidel embodied determination.”
A Revolution Against the Odds
The Cuban Revolution, Ambassador Aguilera reminded the audience, was not just a change of government—it was a fundamental transformation. In its early days, it launched sweeping literacy campaigns, nationalised industries, and made healthcare and education free for all. “The triumph of the Cuban Revolution was the beginning of a new chapter—not only for Cuba but for the entire hemisphere. For the first time, a socialist revolution survived in the Western Hemisphere, just 90 miles from the United States.”
Even under the constant shadow of U.S. hostility—from the Bay of Pigs invasion to economic sabotage—Fidel’s Cuba persevered. His leadership sent doctors and teachers to more than 60 countries, trained tens of thousands of foreign students, and fought shoulder-to-shoulder with African liberation movements. “Fidel Castro and the Cuban people—inseparable in their identity—became a symbol of resistance for the world. He showed that a small nation could stand up to great powers, turning setbacks into victories.”
Fidel’s Legacy Today
Ambassador Aguilera stressed that Fidel’s presence is not confined to the pages of history books. “When we speak of Fidel, we are not speaking only of history. Fidel lives in the daily resistance of the Cuban people against the unjust and criminal U.S. blockade—tightened to unprecedented levels in recent years and compounded by the pandemic.”
He took a moment to thank Indian solidarity organisations for their support: “We express our deepest gratitude to the National Committee for Solidarity with Cuba in India and all its member organisations for their friendship… their campaign to support Cuba’s public health system during these critical times is a true act of solidarity.”
Marching Toward the Centenary
The event also marked the beginning of a two-year journey toward Fidel’s centenary in 2026. “From now until August 13, 2026—and beyond, until November 24, 2026—we will organise events across Indian states to reflect on Fidel’s ideas, his work, and his contribution to Cuba–India relations,” the Ambassador announced.
This year also celebrates the 65th anniversary of Cuba–India diplomatic ties, a relationship Castro personally valued. As he concluded, the audience rose in applause—not just for Fidel, but for the enduring idea that justice, once embraced, can never be erased.
And then, the celebratory spirit returned to the room as the Ambassador and fellow dignitaries stepped forward to honour the athletes. Trophies were presented to the winners of the football tournament, closing the day with the perfect blend of inspiration and joy.
Long live Fidel. Long live Cuba. Long live solidarity. Victory forever.
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