By Our Reporter 131210162557-fidel-castro-story-topFidel Castro who built a communist state on the doorstep of the United States and for five decades defied U.S. efforts to topple him, died on Friday. He was 90. Despite facing US blockades for decades, he managed to build a strong Cuba, making his country prosperous and rich. He never bowed down before the foreign forces during his 56 years rule first as prime minister and then as president. A towering figure of the 20th century and Cold War icon, Castro stuck to his ideology beyond the collapse of Soviet communism and remained widely respected in parts of the world that struggled against colonial rule, reported Reuters. He was a model ruler for the third world youths, who believe in communism. Even non communists from around the world revered him highly for his tireless struggle to safeguard his nation and develop it. Castro had been in poor health since 2006 and he   formally ceded power to his younger brother, Raul, in 2008. A mix of tributes and condemnation poured in from allies and foes around the world. "History will record and judge the enormous impact of this singular figure on the people and world around him," U.S. President Barack Obama said, extending "a hand of friendship" to Cuba. However, Obama's elected successor, Donald Trump, issued a blunt statement calling Castro "a brutal dictator who oppressed his own people for nearly six decades." Venezuela's  president, Nicolas Maduro, urged revolutionaries to follow Castro's legacy, while Chinese President Xi Jinping said "the Chinese people have lost a close comrade and a sincere friend." Cuba has declared nine days of mourning, during which time Castro's ashes will be taken to different parts of the country. A burial ceremony will be held on Dec. 4. Nepalese leaders should learn lesson from Castro and act accordingly as the problems of Cuba and Nepal has almost been similar. Cuba suffered from American blockade for about six decades while Nepal has undergone similar blockade from India. Castro’s policies to safeguard sovereignty and national integrity will be more relevant to Nepal in the present context.