NEW DELHI: India Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill he spoke amid ongoing student protests over repeated exam paper leaks, urging compassion, mutual respect and a renewed focus on safeguarding students’ interests.In a message shared on his Instagram story on Thursday, Gill stressed that India’s youth deserve every opportunity to pursue their dreams and help build the country’s future. Without referring to any specific protest or political issue, the 26-year-old stressed the importance of education and expressed support for those who raise their voices in peace. “As a young Indian, I believe our generation deserves every opportunity to learn, dream and shape the future we all aspire to,” Gill wrote.His statement comes against the backdrop of widespread protests in many parts of the country, where students have taken to the streets demanding accountability for repeated exam paper leaks.
“I have immense respect” for peaceful voices
Gill acknowledged the concerns of young people and praised those who choose peaceful means to express their opinions.“I have immense respect for any young person who believes in making their voice heard in peace.”The boss of India said that education remains one of the strongest pillars of nation building and urged everyone to approach the situation with empathy.“Education has the power to shape the future of our nation. I hope we move forward with compassion, mutual respect and keeping the best interests of each student at heart.”He concluded his message with a simple but powerful appeal: “For the future of India.”Gill’s comments add the voice of one of the country’s biggest sports stars to the growing conversation around ensuring equity and trust in India’s education system.
The sports fraternity rallies behind the students
Gill is among several leading Indian sportsmen who have publicly reacted to the ongoing protests.First, the cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has urged society to build a culture where honesty and merit triumph over prejudice.“Failure is okay, cheating is not. Never take shortcuts,” Tendulkar wrote, adding that the students’ disappointment was understandable when hard work was not rewarded.India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist, Abhinav Bindra, also highlighted the importance of a strong education system, saying that the true strength of a nation lies in the opportunities it creates for its youth.“An education system that inspires confidence, rewards merit and nurtures curiosity is one of the greatest strengths of a nation,” said Bindra, expressing hope that India will continue to strengthen its education system for future generations.Grand Master Nihal Sarin called for accountability, saying the pressure students face while preparing for crucial exams should never be dismissed.Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif said it was painful to see students being lathi-charged during the protests and hoped a solution would emerge soon.Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan said that no paper leak should ever destroy years of hard work and family sacrifice, while Shikhar Dhawan he appealed to patience, dialogue and faith in the country’s institutions as the way forward.