Sachin Tendulkar Supports Students Protesting Against Exam Paper Leaks
Sachin Tendulkar Voices Support for Student Protests
On Thursday, renowned Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar expressed his solidarity with students who are protesting against the ongoing issue of exam paper leaks. He acknowledged their frustration, emphasizing that it is a shared responsibility of society to ensure such feelings do not arise again.
In a post on X, Tendulkar reflected on the values imparted to him by his late father, Ramesh Tendulkar, a professor, highlighting the principle that while failure is acceptable, cheating is not, and shortcuts should never be taken.
He stated, "As adults, we have a duty to cultivate a culture that values effort over mere results. A society that prioritizes outcomes over hard work will inevitably encourage shortcuts instead of merit. It is completely understandable for students to feel disheartened when their dedication goes unrecognized."
Tendulkar urged collective action to prevent future occurrences of such disillusionment among students.
The protests, which began on July 20 at Jantar Mantar, have escalated into violence, with police employing lathi-charges due to concerns over law and order.
The Cockroach Janata Party is leading the demonstrations, supported by environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently on an indefinite hunger strike in solidarity with the students.
Protesters are calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, whom they hold accountable for the NEET paper leaks that necessitated a re-examination.
Tragically, several students have taken their own lives in response to the fallout from these leaks.
Tendulkar expressed hope for a resolution and emphasized the importance of fostering a culture that rewards integrity and values merit.
He stated, "As a community, we all—parents, educators, friends, and administrators—bear a significant responsibility to keep our youth motivated and inspired."
He concluded by asserting the need to establish a culture where hard work is acknowledged, honesty is promoted, and merit prevails. "I am confident that together we can find solutions that enhance our children's futures and protect their dreams," he added.
In a related development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of fast-track courts to expedite the trials of individuals accused of leaking exam papers.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 23, 2026