Students' disappointment understandable: Tendulkar issues statement on NEET agitation
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has expressed support for students protesting against exam paper leaks, emphasizing the need for a meritocratic culture. The protests, which have turned violent, are demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister.
Why it matters
The involvement of a high-profile public figure highlights the growing social pressure on the government to address systemic failures in competitive examinations.
Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday (July 23, 2026) backed the students protesting against repeated exam paper leaks, saying their disappointment is understandable and it is the society's collective responsibility to ensure that they "don't feel this way again."
Posting on 'X', Mr. Tendulkar said his late father Ramesh Tendulkar, who was a professor, instilled in him certain values quite early in life, the primary one being "Failure is okay, cheating is not. Never take shortcuts."
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"As adults in society, we have the responsibility of shaping culture. A society which 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," Mr. Tendulkar stated.
"Collectively, we should all work together towards ensuring they don't feel this way again," he added.
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