Cuban President Miguel Diaz Canale (Photo- Reuters)
Digital Desk, New Delhi. Cuban President Miguel Diaz Canale is in the headlines these days. Responding to the threats of US President Donald Trump, he clearly said that he will not bow down to any pressure and negotiate.
This temperament in Miguel has come from his childhood. Born in 1960, Miguel's mother was a teacher, while his father was a factory worker. These experiences deeply influenced his thinking, which inspired him towards social justice.
After obtaining an engineering degree in 1982, Miguel started his political journey. His main priority was to improve the conditions of factories. During the recession in Cuba's economy, he presented a unique example.
In the 1990s, when the country's GDP fell by 36 percent and the country's fuel crisis deepened, he said goodbye to the VIP culture as secretary of the Santa Clara province. Abandoning his two luxury government cars, he used to go to office daily on a bicycle.
Created a new image by breaking traditions
In Cuban politics, leaders had been following the tradition of wearing military uniforms for decades. Miguel challenged this stereotype.
He left the uniform, kept long hair and participated in public programs in jeans and t-shirt. Now they are also seen in modern court-pants, which attracts the younger generation.
After becoming President in 2019, he had to face the Corona epidemic. When US sanctions halted the supply of medicines, he called an emergency meeting of scientists.
His efforts led to the development of Cuba's first indigenous vaccine in just seven weeks. During this period, India also helped by sending 524 boxes of life-saving medicines.
symbol of human emotions
Miguel is famous for his humanity. During a power crisis in the 1990s, a hospital in Santa Clara lost power.
As the provincial secretary, he immediately arrived and went to the bedside of every patient and apologized with folded hands. He also apologized to his opponents who were on hunger strike.