• Source:JND

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has called for a fair, transparent and merit-based education system, saying students should never feel that their hard work has been ignored or gone unrewarded.

Without directly commenting on the demand for the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Tendulkar highlighted the importance of honesty, merit and collective responsibility in building the future of the country.

In a post on X, the former India batter shared a lesson he learned from his father, who was a professor. Tendulkar wrote, "My father was a professor. He was a mentor and guide to many young students. One lesson that he instilled early on was, 'Failure is okay, cheating is not. Never take shortcuts."

Tendulkar said society has a responsibility to ensure that hard work is valued and that shortcuts do not replace merit. He added that students losing confidence because of unfair situations is a matter of concern.

"As adults in society, we have the responsibility of shaping culture. A society that prioritises outcomes over effort will seek shortcuts over meritocracy. Today, when students feel disappointed that their hard work hasn't been rewarded, it is understandable. Collectively, we should all work together towards ensuring they don't feel this way again," he wrote.

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Calling India's youth the country's biggest strength, Tendulkar said everyone, including parents, teachers, schools and administrators, has a role to play in supporting young people.

"Young India is full of dreams and energy. They are the fuel to 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 in ensuring our youth remain encouraged and energised."

He further added, "We must create a culture where hard work is rewarded, honesty is encouraged, and merit wins. I am certain we will all find solutions that strengthen our children's future and safeguard their aspirations. Jai Hind!"

Tendulkar's comments came at a time when protests have been taking place over alleged issues in the education system. The movement, led by the Cockroach Janata Party, a pressure group, has been demanding the removal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged failures and irregularities.

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Apart from Sachin Tendulkar, Irfan Pathan also opened up on Delhi Protests, saying that no paper leak should ever be allowed to take that hope.

"Every student puts in years of hard work for a better future, and their families make sacrifices along the way too. No paper leak should ever be allowed to take that hope.

I have full faith that our country,authorities will ensure every one of them gets a fair chance. I also hope every possible step is taken to make sure this never happens again.

Our students are our future, Protect their dreams" Irfan Pathan wrote on X.

Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk has also supported the protest through an indefinite fast. Wangchuk, who was fasting at Jantar Mantar, was first shifted to Safdarjung Hospital after his health condition worsened. He was later moved to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after his wife approached the Delhi High Court seeking his transfer from the government facility.

The protests gained more attention on July 20 when thousands of students tried to march towards Parliament to raise their concerns. The Delhi Police stopped the march and used tear gas and lathi-charge to control the situation.


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