Sachin Tendulkar pens heartfelt note for the 'men of today, and tomorrow' on International men's week
Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar took to his official instagram handle to post a profound message for his 18 million followers. In two paragraphs, the 46 year old deconstructed stereotype around masculinity and acknowledged that certain beliefs he grew up with need to change today.
His message for the men of today and tomorrow, begins by stating that the men will soon be father and husbands, brother and teacher who will lead by example. "Undoubtedly, there will be times when you fail, and you will feel like crying and letting it all out."
putting forth the notion that real men dont cry, Sachin Tendulkar continued: "You'll hold back the tears and pretend to laugh. Because that's what men do. Because that's what we are brought up to believe - that men are not supposed to cry."
He then spells out the reason that he is writing this is because he grew up believing that crying is a sign of fragility, but has now understood that he is wrong.
"I realised I was wrong," wrote Sachin Tendulkar. "My struggles and my pain made me who I am, shaping me into a better man."
The words, written on top of a picture of Sachin Tendulkar crying, have cumulated over 80,000 likes in less than an hour.
The post has also cumulated a huge number of supportive response. "You are an inspiration for everyone on field or off field. Your thoughts are so valuable," wrote one commenter. "Beautiful message," said another.
In 2013, Sachin Tendulkar called it a day from cricket at Wankhede stadium, which left many of his fans in tears.
“I still remember that day on the field. I had thought about it for a long time but nothing could prepare me for that last walk back to the pavilion," wrote the 46-year-old.
"With each step it started sinking in. I felt a lump in my throat, the fear of it all ending... I let go in front of the world, and surprisingly, I felt a certain peace."
He ended his note by urging all men to move past stereotypes of whan men can and cannot do, stating that there is no shame in showing tears.
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First published: 21 November 2019, 15:51 IST