NEW DELHI: India Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill has spoken out amid the ongoing student protests over repeated exam paper leaks, urging compassion, mutual respect and a renewed focus on safeguarding the interests of students.In a message shared on his Instagram story on Thursday, Gill stressed that India’s youth deserve every opportunity to pursue their dreams and help build the country’s future. Without referring to any specific protest or political issue, the 26-year-old underlined the importance of education and expressed support for those raising their voices peacefully. “As a young Indian, I believe our generation deserves every opportunity to learn, dream and shape the future we all aspire to,” Gill wrote.His statement comes against the backdrop of widespread protests in several parts of the country, where students have taken to the streets demanding accountability over repeated examination paper leaks.
‘I have immense respect’ for peaceful voices
Gill acknowledged the concerns of young people and praised those choosing peaceful means to express their views.“I have immense respect for every young person who believes in making their voice heard peacefully.”The India skipper said education remains one of the strongest pillars of nation-building and urged everyone to approach the situation with empathy.“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 concluded his message with a simple but powerful appeal: “For India’s future.”Gill’s comments add the voice of one of the country’s biggest sporting stars to the growing conversation around ensuring fairness and trust in India’s education system.
Sporting fraternity rallies behind students
Gill is among several leading Indian sportspersons who have publicly reacted to the ongoing protests.Earlier, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar urged society to build a culture where honesty and merit triumph over shortcuts.“Failure is okay, cheating is not. Never take shortcuts,” Tendulkar wrote, adding that students’ disappointment was understandable when hard work was not rewarded.India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra also highlighted the importance of a strong education system, saying a nation’s true strength lies in the opportunities it creates for its youth.“An education system that inspires confidence, rewards merit and nurtures curiosity is one of a nation’s greatest strengths,” Bindra said, expressing hope that India would continue strengthening its education system for future generations.Grandmaster Nihal Sarin called for accountability, saying the pressure students face while preparing for crucial examinations should never be dismissed.Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif said it was painful to see students being lathi-charged during protests and hoped a solution would emerge soon.Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan said no paper leak should ever destroy years of hard work and family sacrifice, while Shikhar Dhawan appealed for patience, dialogue and faith in the country’s institutions as the way forward.
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