Visakhapatnam: External pressures will always exist, but one must shut them off and stay focused on achieving life goals, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar told students during his address at the closing ceremony of Andhra University's centenary celebrations on Monday.
Tendulkar was the center of attraction at the event, with students cheering and applauding throughout his speech. Many brought his posters, handmade paintings, and nameplates, displaying them during his address.
Answering questions, Tendulkar said pressure exists at every level for everyone. He distinguished between two types of pressure: internal and external. Internal pressure, he explained, is actively led by the conscious mind. When the conscious mind moves ahead of the moment, it begins creating multiple imaginary scenarios—failure, consequences, disappointments. All these things can freeze a person and increase pressure. The idea, he emphasized, is to stay in the moment. That zone is about surrendering oneself to the subconscious mind, which knows what to do.
While batting, Tendulkar recalled, this would sometimes happen. Before the ball is released, the conscious mind would create doubts: could it be a bouncer, a yorker, or an outswinger? He found himself batting at his best when he surrendered to his subconscious mind. His advice to all students was to stay focused, stay aware of what is happening around them, but not let external energies dominate who they want to become in life.
Tendulkar, who served as a Rajya Sabha member by Presidential nomination from 2012 to 2018, also shared a personal anecdote about his father. His father came from a humble background and faced a challenging life with limited financial resources. He did not have the best facilities, but he made the best of what he had. In their two-room house, his father found a corner, studied hard, and won gold medals in his education. He was focused, and outside noise did not matter to him. Tendulkar said he learned that lesson from his father.
Tendulkar holds the record for 100 international centuries. His words resonated deeply with the students, who left inspired by his wisdom and humility.
