Indian cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar and Shubman Gill have spoken about the ongoing students’ protest at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, calling for compassion, mutual respect and well-thought-out solutions.
An outfit called the ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ is leading the movement in the capital since the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination, which was hit by a major paper leak. It is demanding reform to the education system and the resignation of the Union Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan.
“My father was a professor,” Sachin wrote in a post on his X account. “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.’ 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,” he said.
The leak and the ensuing nationwide re-examination by the National Testing Agency (NTA) were linked with over 20 deaths by suicide in the country. The CJP grew in social media popularity against this backdrop, before starting what they describe as a non-violent sit-in.
A probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is ongoing, and the central government has assured quick resolution.
“Collectively, we should all work together towards ensuring they don’t feel this way again,” Tendulkar said. “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. 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.”
Like Tendulkar, Gill didn’t address the protest directly but said he had ‘immense respect’ for the youth who want to be heard peacefully.
“As a young Indian, I believe our generation deserves every opportunity to learn, dream and shape the future we all aspire to. I have immense respect for every young person who believes in making their voice heard peacefully. 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,” Gill, India’s Test and ODI skipper, wrote.
