'Create A Culture Where Merit Wins': Sachin Tendulkar Pens X Post, Recalls Father's Message Amid Students' Protest

New Delhi: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday penned an X post saying that the society must strive to create a culture where children's future and aspirations are safeguarded. His message comes amidst the Cockroach Janta Party-led students' protest in Delhi and Mumbai over NEET-UG paper leak.

The former Rajya Sabha MP also recalled his father's lesson, saying, “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.'”

He added, “As adults in society, we have the responsibility of shaping culture. A society which prioritises outcomes over effort will seek shortcuts over meritocracy."

Tendulkar further stated that it is “understandable” that students feel disappointed that their hard work hasn't been rewarded.

“Collectively, we should all work together towards ensuring they don't feel this way again. 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,” Tendulkar added, stressing that 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."

Jantar Mantar Protest

The youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has been camping at the Jantar Mantar from June 6, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities.

The movement drew heightened attention when it got support from famous environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, who went on an indefinite hunger strike at the protest site. After 20+ days of fasting, he was forcibly moved to a hospital by police. He has written a letter to Union Minister JP Nadda, offering to end the strike if  the government assures that none of the young protesters will face any punitive or retaliatory legal action for participating in this movement. 

He said, "Their only "offence" has been to raise their voice for a fair and accountable education system."

Meanwhile, CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke has stressed that the “protest will not end until Dharmendra Pradhan is sacked by PM Modi”.

The protest turned violent on Monday (July 20) during the ‘Sansad Chalo’ movement when protesters refused to disperse and “violated prohibitory orders”, police said. During the scuffle, many protesters and police personnel suffered injuries.

On Wednesday (July 22), the wave of protest reached Mumbai as several CJP supporters went on streets to voice their demands.

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