CJP Protest: Sachin Tendulkar says students' disappointment is understandable, calls for merit-based culture

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday voiced support for students upset over their hard work going unrewarded, calling for a culture that rewards merit, honesty and effort while urging society to ensure young people do not feel disappointed again.

In a post on X, Tendulkar said his father, a professor, had taught him an important lesson early in life: "Failure is okay, cheating is not. Never take shortcuts."

Referring to students who may feel disappointed that their hard work has not been rewarded, he said such feelings are understandable and stressed that everyone must work together to ensure they do not experience the same disappointment again.


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Tendulkar said society has a responsibility to shape a culture that values merit over shortcuts. "A society which prioritises outcomes over effort will seek shortcuts over meritocracy," he wrote.

He also called on parents, teachers, friends, relatives, schools and administrators to encourage and support the country's youth, describing young Indians as "full of dreams and energy".

"We must create a culture where hard work is rewarded, honesty is encouraged, and merit wins," Tendulkar said, adding that he was confident society would find solutions to strengthen children's future and safeguard their aspirations.

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Several other celebrities, including Salman Khan, Kamal Haasan, Alia Bhatt and Kareena Kapoor Khan, have also shared messages on their respective social media accounts expressing support for a better education system.