User:S.Bharathi Priya

U.K.SIVAGNANAM

He recalls getting a glimpse of his hero Castro

TNN | Nov 28, 2016, 12.45 AM IST

Coimbatore: In 1997, when a delegation of 200 people from India visited Cuba to attend the International conference for youth and students, little did they know that they would be among the chosen few who would get to see Fidel Castro in flesh and blood. U K Sivagnanam, state secretary for the Democratic Youth Federation of India and a resident of Singanallur in Coimbatore, was part of the delegation. When he heard that Fidel Castro had arrived, he scrambled to get a glimpse of the Cuban leader and revolutionary icon.

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2 reasons why bank fixed deposits alone won’t make you rich Scripbox Recommended By Colombia According to Sivagnanam, Fidel Castro was supposed to take part in the inaugural function of the event but due to health problems and security reasons, it got cancelled. But he did make an appearance at the valedictory function and spoke about world issues, encouraging youth to take an active interest in politics and social issues. Having read several books written about Castro and well-versed with his policies, Sivagnanam wanted to find out for himself how Cuba had been transformed. "We were eager to see him in person but more importantly I was keen to find out if all that I had read about him was true. The authorities had arranged for us to stay at the homes of a few locals. There were totally 11,000 delegates from various countries and each was allotted a home. The families cooked for us in the morning and evenings and took such good care of us," he said. "He was dressed in military uniform and his brother Raul Castro was also present. He must have been 71 years old then but he seemed larger than life and exuded charisma," said Sivagnanam. The delegation also included various ministers and representatives from the Congress and DMK. The team was led by R Dhanuskodi Athithan, the minister for states (Youth Affairs and Sports Developlement). Other members who attended the 10-day conference included Vidiyal Sekar, S K Kharventhan and S M Hidayathullah. Vidiyal Sekar, who was the state student wing president of Indian National congress party, said he had stayed with a family in Playa, Havana. "We did not see any vast differences between the rich and the poor. We did not come across even one beggar. Nor were we able to spot a single unemployed person. Seeing the leader speak on state was one of the most memorable moments of my life," he said.