Ernesto Che Guevara’s revolutionary aura transcends beyond his country of origin, and claims an everlasting legacy across the world. Young people in the world have mostly upheld Che in popular culture. There would be few people who do not recognize Che’s face. Even though a big faction of young people may not know the Cuban history, and Che’s association with the Cuban revolution, yet, his ubiquitous presence in T-Shirts, caps, posters and elsewhere have strengthened his dominating presence as icon for any revolution, even today.
Like all other years, young people across the world were seen sporting cool T-shirts were Che’s face, however, the quintessential question remains, how real has been Che’s impact in inspiring young people to become agents of change.
It is very futile, if Che’s vision and idea of change only stays in books and t-shirts.
Last month, I read an article in the Prothom Alo which said, in Bangladesh there are bridges which need to be reached with a boat, and then climbed with a ladder. Such bridges are pivotal for every day commute of ordinary people living in rural areas. Hundreds of children, elderly cross such dilapidated bridges every day. Even though the condition of bridges was brought to light through media, it is an irony that a country where the population’s largest fraction is comprised of young people raised no voice.
When Che Guevara was in his 20s, it is then when we realized the need for collective struggle to improve the lives of those around him. Leaving behind his life as a wealthy doctor, Che sought a life to advocate and fight for the equal rights of the impoverished. He chose his cause over everything to realize that, his extraordinary readiness to give in everything for this cause is what has led to the emancipation of the Cubans from the hands of the filthy elites. Along with other Cuban revolutionaries, we strived for the impossible.
He was captured by Bolivian forces and shot dead in an abandoned school. For the next thirty years, his remains were no where to be found.
On his 54th death anniversary, Che is more than a revolutionary. He is an idea of just, fair and equal world!
