Shubman Gill lends voice to students amid nationwide CJP protests; “Education has the power to shape the future of our nation” | Today’s news
Indian captain Shubman Gill has become the latest cricketer to come out and lend a voice to students protesting the repeated leak of exam papers across the country. What started in New Delhi has now spread to Mumbai and states like Bihar.
The protests, which began on July 20 at Jantar Mantar, turned violent and the police resorted to lathi charge on many occasions citing law and order. The agitation is being led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) with the support of environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite fast in solidarity with the students.
Read also | “We have to create a culture where… merit wins” – Sachin Tendulkar on CJP protests
They are demanding the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and holding him responsible for the NEET paper leaks that recently led to retesting. Several students have died by suicide across the country as a result of the paper leak.
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Students are protesting against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the repeated leaks of NEET exam papers, which have led to considerable suffering, including several student suicides.
The Cockroach Janta Party is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and comprehensive reforms to address examination irregularities affecting students.
Shubman Gill expressed his support by emphasizing the importance of education in shaping the future of the nation and encouraging the peaceful expression of student grievances.
Public figures like Sachin Tendulkar are calling for societal support to create a culture that rewards merit while supporting the right of students to protest educational inequities.
The protests highlight frustrations among students and their families about the credibility of the education system, as many fear hard work is not being rewarded due to systemic failures.
Shubman said in his Instagram story that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, dream and shape their own future. “As a young Indian, I believe our generation deserves every opportunity to learn, dream and shape the future we all aspire to,” the Indian captain wrote.
“I have the utmost respect for every young person who believes in having their voice heard in a peaceful way. Education has the power to shape the future of our nation. I hope we move forward with compassion, mutual respect and keeping the best interests of every student at heart,” he added.
Sachin Tendulkar urges everyone to come together
Just an hour ago, former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar raised his voice against the students. Speaking on social media, Tendulkar said that his late father Ramesh Tendulkar, who was a professor, instilled certain values in him fairly 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 a responsibility to shape the culture. A society that values results over effort will look for shortcuts over meritocracy. Today, when students feel disappointed that their hard work has not been rewarded, it is understandable,” Tendulkar said.
“Together, we should all work together to make sure they don’t feel that way anymore,” he added. Tendulkar said he hoped for a solution and stressed the need to foster a culture that rewards honesty and where merit wins.
“As a society, we all, including parents, teachers, friends, relatives, schools and administrators, have a huge responsibility and different roles to play in ensuring that our youth remain encouraged and energized.
“We need to create a culture where hard work is rewarded, honesty is encouraged and merit wins. I am confident that we will all find solutions that will strengthen our children’s futures and protect their aspirations,” he said.
Another former cricketer, Irfan Pathan, also expressed support for the students. “Every student puts in years of hard work for a better future and their families also make sacrifices in the process. No paper leak should ever take that hope away,” the former India pacer wrote.
“I have full faith that our country and authorities will ensure that each of them gets a fair chance. I also hope that we will take all possible steps to ensure that this never happens again. Our students are our future. Let’s protect their dreams.”
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“I have the utmost respect for every young person who believes in having their voice heard in a peaceful way. Education has the power to shape the future of our nation. I hope we move forward with compassion, mutual respect and keeping the best interests of every student at heart,” he added.
