NEW DELHI: Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar has spoken out over the nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, calling on society to ensure that youngsters never lose faith in hard work and meritocracy.In a heartfelt post on X on Thursday, the great batsman reflected on the values instilled in him by his late father, Professor Ramesh Tendulkar, while expressing concern over the disappointment felt by students who believe their efforts have been undermined.“My father was a teacher. He was a mentor and guide to many young students. A lesson he instilled early on was: ‘Failure is good, cheating is not.’ Never take shortcuts,” wrote Sachin.Tendulkar’s remarks come amid escalating protests across the country over alleged irregularities in the NEET exam, with students demanding accountability and reforms after the controversy triggered widespread anger.
“Hard work should be rewarded”
Without commenting directly on the investigation or the protests themselves, Tendulkar insisted that society has a collective duty to protect the integrity of education and to ensure that honesty is valued above shortcuts.“As adults in society, we have a responsibility to shape the culture. A society that prioritizes results over effort will seek shortcuts over meritocracy.”The former India captain acknowledged the frustration of students who feel their dedication has not been properly recognised.“Today, when students feel disappointed that their hard work has not been rewarded, it is understandable. Collectively, we must all work together to ensure that they do not feel that way again.”I also stressed that responsibility extends beyond governments and educational institutions.“Young India is full of dreams and energy. They are the fuel for our success. As a society, all of us, including parents, teachers, friends, relatives, schools and administrators, have a massive responsibility and different roles to play to ensure that our youth remains encouraged and energized.”Calling for a culture rooted in fairness and integrity, Tendulkar concluded, “We must create a culture where hard work is rewarded, honesty is encouraged and merit wins.”“I am sure that we will all find solutions that strengthen the future of our children and safeguard their aspirations.”
Cricketers join the calls for resolution
Tendulkar is the latest high-profile cricket figure to react to the controversy.Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan appealed to students to be patient and continue to believe in the country’s institutions, saying that solutions emerge through dialogue and perseverance.Meanwhile, Mohammad Kaif has expressed anguish over visuals showing police using force against protesting students in Delhi.“As a father, it pains me to see students being beaten up by the police for protesting about failings in education. Children being beaten with lathis on the streets of Delhi should stop. I hope a solution comes very soon,” Kaif wrote on X.Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan also expressed support for the students, stating that years of hard work and family sacrifices should never be overshadowed by a paper leak. I urged the authorities to ensure that every student gets a fair opportunity and that such incidents never recur.The protests, led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and supported by environmental activists Sonam Wangchukhave intensified in recent days, with clashes between demonstrators and police.