NEW DELHI — Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has publicly backed students protesting against ongoing competitive exam paper leaks, calling their disappointment "understandable" and urging society to collectively take responsibility to ensure merit is protected.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Tendulkar recalled early lessons from his late father, Ramesh Tendulkar, who was a professor: "Failure is okay, cheating is not. Never take shortcuts."

A Call for Cultural Shift & Meritocracy

Addressing the emotional toll on young aspirants across the country, Tendulkar stressed the need for systemic and societal changes:

"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. Collectively, we should all work together towards ensuring they don't feel this way again."

Tendulkar urged parents, teachers, relatives, and administrative bodies to foster an environment where honesty is encouraged and hard work is fairly recognized. He expressed confidence that lasting solutions would be found to safeguard the aspirations of India's youth.

Protests Escalating at Jantar Mantar

Tendulkar's remarks come as youth-led demonstrations—which began on July 20 at Jantar Mantar—have grown increasingly tense.

  • Police Action & Fasting: Protesters have faced police lathi-charges on multiple occasions due to law-and-order concerns. The agitation is being spearheaded by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) with support from environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has joined on an indefinite fast.

  • Demands & Impact: Demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following repeated NEET paper leaks that forced re-examinations. The controversy has sparked nationwide outrage, especially following reports of student suicides tied to the fallout.

Government Response

Amid the rising unrest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that fast-track courts will be set up to ensure swift trials and severe penalties for anyone involved in paper leak networks.