Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar used Teachers’ Day to recall a lasting lesson from his late father, professor Ramesh Tendulkar, stressing the importance of integrity and hard work over shortcuts.

Tendulkar said his father, who was a professor and mentor to many students, taught him early in life that failure was acceptable but cheating was not.

The former India captain shared the message while discussing the disappointment of students amid the controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination. He said young people should not lose faith in hard work and merit because of failures or an unfair system. 

Tendulkar argued that society has a collective responsibility to create an environment where effort is rewarded, honesty is encouraged and merit is respected.

He said parents, teachers, schools, administrators and society at large all have a role in ensuring that young people remain motivated and confident about their future. 

The cricketer's remarks came against the backdrop of student protests over alleged irregularities in NEET-UG 2026. While Tendulkar did not directly discuss every aspect of the controversy, his message focused on the broader principle that success should not come at the cost of integrity. 

He also stressed the danger of a culture that prioritises outcomes above effort. According to Tendulkar, when society places excessive emphasis on results, it can encourage people to seek shortcuts rather than pursue genuine achievement. 

The message carried particular resonance on Teachers’ Day, when India remembers Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and recognises the contribution of educators. For Tendulkar, however, the occasion also became an opportunity to acknowledge a teacher and mentor from his own family whose lessons extended beyond academics and into questions of character.

Tendulkar concluded by describing India's youth as a source of energy and aspiration and called for collective efforts to protect their confidence and opportunities.