100 Years of Fidel

August 13th, 2026, marks 100 years of the birth of the revolutionary Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz. In celebration, a day-long conference titled 100 Years of Fidel: In Battle for Peace, is being organized in Bangalore. We feel that Fidel’s ideas have immense relevance for a time when the world is undergoing tectonic shifts amidst a horrific war. The conference will build on people-to-people understanding in a movement for peace, and will aim to build solidarity for all those in the world fighting for self determination and sovereignty.

The history of the Cuban revolution is part of a long history of struggle. Through this event we wish to study the link of the Cuban revolutionary process to the world anticolonial, anti-racist and anti-imperial struggles. Further, we want to examine Cuba and Fidel’s role in the making of a new human being. 

To fully understand it, the Cuban Revolution must be understood in light of the early rebellions, the Cuban War of Independence and the legacy of Jose Marti, Antonio Maceo and others.

Event Schedule

10.15 - 10.40 am  

Introduction and Video Messages for Fidel

10.40 - 11.15 am 

Movie: Maestra

11.15 am - 12.30 pm  

Panel: Universal Lessons of the Cuban Revolution for Democracy

12.30 -1.00 pm   

Cultural performances and Poetry

1.00  -  2.00 pm  Break for Lunch

2.00  -  2.30 pm  

Movie: Cuba in Africa

2.30 - 3.30 pm

Panel: Non-Alignment & Cuba's Contribution to Afro-Asian Unity & Freedom

3.30 - 5.00 pm

Keynote Address and Q&A

H.E. Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera (Ambassador of Cuba to India)