People wearing masks walk in front of the statue of late Chinese leader Mao Zedong in a university, during a hazy day in downtown Shanghai December 26, 2013.

Mao Zedong was criticised by the Chinese president on the 120th birth anniversary of the iconic communist revolutionary of China on Dec 26.

Chairman Mao is rarely criticised in China even though he continues to be a controversial figure in Western countries which do not appreciate his communist ideologies. For reasons known to posterity, the number of people who endorse communism has become significantly less. Another communist revolutionary, Fidel Castro, lives a secluded life in Cuba while his policies are "reformed" by his brother, Raul [READ HERE]. Now that Chairman Mao too is publicly criticised for his policies in his own country, one may wonder if communism has reached its all-time low.

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a speech during the celebration of Chairman Mao's birth anniversary at a symposium. He said that Mao, like any other revolutionary leader, was not god - the official Xinhua news agency reports. What he said next could be interpreted as a rare example of criticising Chairman Mao in his own country. He said the people should be allowed to 'point out and correct' mistakes made by him. People like him cannot be worshipped like gods, he said.

Mao was responsible for proclaiming the People's Republic while becoming the first leader. Mr Jinping mentioned that Mao, as a leader, "changed the face of the nation and led the Chinese people to a new destiny." However, many of his policies turned out to be catastrophic for the nation. His "Great Leap Forward," which was targeted for establishing rapid industrialisation and collectivised farming, caused famine that killed nearly 35 million of the Chinese population.

Mao is strongly criticised worldwide for his brainchild - "Cultural Revolution" which started in 1966. The movement allegedly destroyed the education system of the entire generation. Mr Jinping, on the other hand, pointed out that Mao should not only be judged by the mistakes he made as he mentioned that it would be wrong to blame an individual for nationwide setbacks.

Chairman Mao sill inspires millions through his philosophies. However, when he is openly criticised in his own country, one may wonder if the world has eventually refused his ideologies.