Cricket legend and one of the all-time greats, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, on the occasion of World Children’s Day 2025, shared a heartfelt message reflecting on his childhood and how his childhood dreams of playing for the country came true. In an emotional and inspiring post on social media, Tendulkar remembered his early years and reflected on championing the rights of children to grow, play, and dream freely.
Growing up, I was a very naughty kid. I was full of energy and always up to something. The child in me had a safe and happy environment to grow up in. But then one day, Ajit, my elder brother took me to Achrekar Sir to channel this energy I had. From then on, the child in me… pic.twitter.com/8Mqo95KZBA
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 20, 2025
World Children’s Day is commemorated to mark the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1989.
Tendulkar has also been the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)’s Regional Goodwill Ambassador for South Asia since 2013.
In his X post, the former Indian cricketing legend reminisced about being a “very naughty kid” brimming with energy. He fondly recalled how his elder brother Ajit played a pivotal role in shaping his journey by introducing him to his childhood coach, Ramakant Achrekar.
He wrote, “Growing up, I was a very naughty kid. I was full of energy and always up to something. The child in me had a safe and happy environment to grow up in. But then one day, Ajit, my elder brother, took me to Achrekar Sir to channel this energy I had. From then on, the child in me truly found his wings, enjoying every minute on the field, developing a lifelong love for the game.”
Tendulkar also placed a spotlight on the role played by his childhood coach, Ramakant Achrekar. Referring to the Dronacharya Award winner’s significance in his life, he highlighted how a mentor can change the trajectory of a child’s life. Remembering his early days on the field, he revealed that it was Achrekar Sir who nurtured his boundless energy into a passion that would later define his legacy.
While highlighting the importance of providing children with a safe and nurturing environment while growing up, he said this was something he was fortunate to receive.
Moreover, emphasising that children need the freedom to play, learn, and dream, he urged people to come together to support young minds with love and guidance.
He further added, “Children need the freedom to play, learn, and dream, with the love and guidance of their families.”
Tendulkar’s message on social media quickly resonated with fans and parents across the globe, sparking conversations around child welfare, education, and the role of families in nurturing future generations.
While wishing everyone on World Children’s Day on November 20, he also wrote, “This World Children`s Day, we hope to champion every child’s right to dream big and play, and to help create a world where every child feels free to grow!”
World Children’s Day is observed globally on November 20 and aims to raise awareness about children’s rights and promote related initiatives.
While the Master Blaster`s heartfelt tribute added a personal touch to the day’s significance, it also reminded people that sometimes all a child needs is a little guidance along with freedom.
