23 July,2026 10:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shikhar Dhawan, Manu Bhaker, Abhinav Bindra, Sachin Tendulkar (Pic: X/@Abhinav_Bindra/@realmanubhaker/File Pic)
The national capital continues to witness large-scale protests at Jantar Mantar, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and several student organisations.
The protesters have been demanding accountability and systemic reforms following the alleged 2026 NEET-UG paper leak and other examination-related irregularities.
Following the protest, legendary Team India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has shared a post on his official social media handle, stating a message that adults in the country have the responsibility of shaping the culture.
Earlier, former Team India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh shared a story on his Instagram, which read, "To every child, student, woman and man: you deserve the opportunity to learn in peace, grow with safety, and chase your dreams".
"Your well-being is the foundation of a brighter India. Let's come together to build communities of care, opportunity and hope. Through dialogue, we can find an amicable solution for the sake of India's future," he added.
India's first-ever individual Olympic gold medal winner, Abhinav Bindra, also took to his official social media handle.
"I have never considered myself a political person. But I do believe that some issues belong to all of us, regardless of where we stand. Education is one of them. 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. 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 wrote.
India's professional shooter, Manu Bhaker, has also expressed her views following the CJP protest.
"At this point, it's about the lives of the future of our nation. It's about us. I am a student, and at one point, we all were students. Every child deserves access to education, safety, and a fair chance at life. These are not privileges - they are fundamental rights. The students and children who lost their lives were meant to be the future of our country. Their dreams, their potential, and their futures should have been protected. This is not about promoting or opposing any political party. It is about speaking up for what truly matters - education, the environment, safety, and accountability. These issues affect every one of us, regardless of our beliefs. I take immense pride in representing my country. That is why it is deeply heartbreaking to see the students suffer like this. We owe them more. We owe every child a future where they can learn, grow, and dream without fear," read her post's caption.
Ex-India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan called on demonstrating students to exercise patience and maintain faith in the Indian authorities amid widespread protests surrounding alleged NEET exam irregularities, an issue linked to several tragic student suicides.
The demonstrations, led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and supported by environmental campaigner Sonam Wangchuk via an ongoing fast, have escalated into violence in recent days, resulting in clashes between police and students that left several individuals injured on both sides.
"Humare youth humare desh ka future hain. Unke sapnon ko samajhna zaroori hai, par saath hi, mushkil waqt mein patience rakhna aur desh ki institutions aur sarkar par bharosa banaye rakhna bhi utna hi zaroori hai (Our youth are the future of our nation.)
"(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)," Shikhar Dhawan wrote on ''X''.
Emphasising that constructive dialogue and composure are the best path forward, Dhawan highlighted that respectful engagement remains central to resolving grievances as the nation progresses.
"Mera maanna hai ki har challenge ka solution patience se nikalta hai. Bharat hamesha aage badha hai aur aage bhi badhta rahega (I believe that the solution to every challenge emerges with patience. India has always moved forward and will continue to progress)," he added.
Meanwhile, activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, was initially moved to Safdarjung Hospital due to deteriorating health. He has since been relocated to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram following a petition filed by his wife in the Delhi High Court requesting a transfer from the government facility.
The overall situation remains tense after thousands of students attempted a march to Parliament on July 20 to voice their concerns, which was halted by police using force, including tear gas and lathi charges.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised new reforms to curb the paper leaks and vowed to punish the culprits. However, CJP have so far stuck to their stance demanding the resignation of the education minister.
(With inputs from PTI)
