Sachin Tendulkar and other athletes voice concerns over NEET exam irregularities, emphasizing hard work and meritocracy. Tendulkar shares insights from his fath
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar has addressed the nationwide protests concerning alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. Tendulkar emphasised the importance of hard work and meritocracy, stating that society must ensure young people do not lose faith in these values. His comments were made in a post on X on Thursday, where he reflected on lessons from his late father, professor Ramesh Tendulkar.
Tendulkar shared a principle instilled by his father: “Failure is okay, cheating is not. Never take shortcuts.” He expressed concern for students who feel their efforts have been undermined, acknowledging their disappointment. The former India captain highlighted a collective responsibility to protect the integrity of education and ensure honesty is valued.
Calls for Integrity and Confidence
While not directly commenting on the ongoing investigation or the protests, Tendulkar stressed that adults in society have a role in shaping culture. He noted that a society prioritising outcomes over effort might seek shortcuts over meritocracy. Tendulkar underlined that the responsibility extends beyond governments and educational institutions, encompassing parents, teachers, friends, relatives, schools, and administrators.
He called for a culture where hard work is rewarded, honesty is encouraged, and merit prevails, expressing certainty that solutions will be found to strengthen children’s futures and safeguard their aspirations. Tendulkar is among several high-profile cricket figures who have reacted to the controversy.
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan appealed to students for patience and continued belief in the country’s institutions, suggesting that solutions emerge through dialogue and perseverance. Meanwhile, Mohammad Kaif expressed anguish over visuals depicting police using force against protesting students in Delhi. Kaif wrote on X that it pained him as a father to see students being subjected to force for protesting educational flaws, hoping for a swift resolution.
Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan also voiced support for students, asserting that years of hard work and family sacrifices should not be overshadowed by a paper leak. Pathan urged authorities to ensure every student receives a fair opportunity and that such incidents do not recur.
Wider Athletic Community Responds
Abhinav Bindra, India‘s first individual Olympic gold-medallist, also called for an education system that inspires confidence. Bindra, who posted on X, avoided direct comment on the movement seeking the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan but emphasised the need for a transparent and merit-based system. He stated that education is an issue that concerns everyone, regardless of their stance.
Bindra highlighted that a nation’s measure is found not only in its economy or achievements but also in the opportunities it creates for its young people. He described an education system that inspires confidence, rewards merit, and nurtures curiosity as one of a nation’s greatest strengths. Bindra expressed hope for collective effort to strengthen the education system, ensuring it remains a source of opportunity, innovation, and hope for future generations.
The protests, spearheaded by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and supported by environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, have intensified. Wangchuk has been involved in an ongoing fast, and was initially moved to Safdarjung Hospital due to falling vital parameters before being transferred to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after his wife approached the Delhi High Court. Thousands of students attempted to march towards the Parliament on July 20 but were met with force from the Delhi Police, including tear gas and lathi-charge.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
