NEW DELHI: Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar addressed nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, calling on society to ensure that the youth do not lose faith in hard work and meritocracy.In a heartfelt post on X on Thursday, the batting great reflected on the values instilled in him by his late father, professor Ramesh Tendulkar, while expressing concern over the frustration felt by students who believe their efforts have gone to waste.“My father was a professor. He was a mentor and guide to many young students. One lesson he instilled early on was, ‘Failure is okay, cheating is not.Tendulkar’s comments came amid growing demonstrations across the country over alleged irregularities in the NEET exam, with students demanding accountability and reforms after the controversy sparked widespread anger.
“Hard work should be rewarded”
Without directly commenting on the investigation or the protests themselves, Tendulkar emphasized that society has a collective duty to protect the integrity of education and ensure that honesty is valued over shortcuts.“As adults in society, we have a responsibility to shape the culture. A society that prioritizes results over effort seeks shortcuts rather than meritocracy.”The former Indian captain acknowledged the frustration of the students who felt their dedication was not given due recognition.“Now, if students feel frustrated that their hard work hasn’t been rewarded, it’s understandable. Together, we all need to work together to make sure they never feel that way again.”He further emphasized that the responsibility goes beyond governments and educational institutions.“Young India is full of dreams and energy. They are the fuel of our success. As a society, all of us, including parents, teachers, friends, relatives, schools, and administrators, have a great responsibility and various roles to ensure that our youth remain motivated and energetic.”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 will strengthen the future of our children and protect their dreams.”
Cricketers joined the calls for a resolution
Tendulkar is the latest high-profile cricket figure to react to the controversy.Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan appealed to students to remain patient and keep faith in the country’s institutions, saying that solutions emerge through dialogue and perseverance.Meanwhile, Mohammad Kaif expressed dismay at the visuals showing the police using force against student protesters in Delhi.“As a father, it pains me to see students being beaten up by the police for protesting educational injustices. Children being beaten with lathis on the streets of Delhi must stop. I hope a solution comes soon,” Kaif wrote to X.Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan also expressed support for the students, saying that the family’s years of hard work and sacrifice can never be covered by a drop of paper. He urged the authorities to ensure that every student gets an equal opportunity and that such incidents are not repeated.The protests, led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and supported by environmental activists Sonam Wangchukhas intensified in recent days, with clashes between demonstrators and police.