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From cricket stars Sachin Tendulkar and Shubman Gill to Olympic hero Abhinav Bindra, India’s sporting fraternity rose up in unison to back the students protesting against repeated exam paper leaks, calling for compassion and lasting solutions to ensure that their disappointment is addressed.
Indian sports figures including Sachin Tendulkar and Shubman Gill support students protesting repeated NEET exam paper leaks, urging compassion and lasting solutions. Protests demand Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, citing student disappointment and concerns over the education system.
Tendulkar, Gill and Bindra were joined by former cricketers like Irfan Pathan, Mohammed Kaif as they followed the lead of double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, who was among the first to voice her support for the cause.
The protestors are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him singularly responsible for the repeated leak of the NEET exam paper, after multiple student suicides were reported from across the country.
“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,” the iconic Tendulkar stated. “Collectively, we should all work together towards ensuring they don’t feel this way again,” he added. Echoing his sentiment was India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, who said he has immense respect for those protesting peacefully.
The agitation has taken a violent with both the police and protestors accusing each other of instigating physical altercations. “Education has the power to shape our nation’s future.
I hope we move forward with compassion, mutual respect and keeping the best interests of every student at heart,” he posted on Instagram. India’s first individual Olympic gold-winner, shooter Abhinav Bindra, did not mention the students in his post but asserted that the education system must inspire confidence.
“The measure of a nation is found not only in its economy or its achievements, but in the opportunities it creates for its young people. An education system that inspires confidence, rewards merit and nurtures curiosity is one of a nation’s greatest strengths,” he noted.
“I hope we can all unite and work together to continually strengthen our education system, so that it remains a source of opportunity, innovation and hope for generations to come,” he went on to add. Even more blunt in his views was young Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin, one of the world’s leading rapid and blitz specialists.
Sarin said he was deeply pained by the plight of students who endure immense pressure while preparing for career-defining examinations and serious issues such paper leak should not be brushed under the carpet. “We must be accountable,” he wrote on ‘X’. “As a young Indian who is proud to represent this nation, I am in pain. The pressure a youngster endures when appearing for a critical exam is not trivial. Brushing it under the carpet is not acceptable,” he said.
Cricketer-turned-commentator Mohammad Kaif said it was heartbreaking to see visuals of police personnel using force on students protesting in Delhi. The agitation has left both protesters and police personnel injured. “As a father it pains me to see students being roughed up by police for protesting over flaws in education. Kids getting beaten with lathis on the streets of Delhi should stop. I hope a solution comes up very soon,” Kaif posted on ‘X’.
Former India pacer Irfan Pathan said no student deserves to see his hard work go down the drain due to exam paper leaks. “Every student puts in years of hard work for a better future and their families make sacrifices along the way too. No paper leak should ever be allowed to take that hope,” he said.
“I have full faith that our country,authorities will ensure every one of them gets a fair chance. I also hope every possible step is taken to make sure this never happens again. Our students are our future, Protect their dreams,” he added. Dhawan, on other hand, called for restrain and said the way forward lay in dialogue. “It is essential to understand their dreams, but at the same time, it is equally important to maintain patience in difficult times and keep faith in the country’s institutions and government,” he said.
(PTI Inputs)
