Former cricketers Ajit Wadekar, Kapil Dev and Dilip Vengsarkar after Tendulkar's record breaking double hundred had said that he deserves the honour.
"It's a rare honour and whosoever have got it are not only my heroes but the heroes of the entire country. Who would not like to join that list, but my focus is on cricket. If it has to happen it will happen," the champion batsman said at a media conference.
After his historic knock of unbeaten 200 at Gwalior, a host of current and former cricketers had said Tendulkar was greater than legendary Australian Sir Don Bradman but the Indian batting ace refused to be drawn into comparisons.
"I never believed in comparisons. I respect every individual off the field too and it's not about only Sir Don. I respect them all. I'm happy to play for the country and am particularly happy when I do well and the team wins," he said.
Tendulkar was addressing the gathering as the brand ambassador of "Give India' - an NGO headed by former ICICI chairman N Vaghul.
Tendulkar's masterpiece had set up India's huge 153-run win against South Africa on February 24.
Tendulkar was delighted at Indian hockey team's superb 4-1 victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the ongoing Hockey World Cup in New Delhi.
"Day before yesterday I also watched the match. It was an exciting match and the Indian team did very well. In the closing stages like everyone else I was also very tense. I'm very happy the team won," said the batting maestro.
Tendulkar wished the team well for the remainder of the tournament and promised them full support.
"On every Indian's behalf, I would say that we are always with you. Performance keeps fluctuating but our support for them remains consistent.
"In fact, the support should be stronger in times when the team is going through tough phases. We will support them during that time," he said.
Tendulkar said since he was not an expert on the ball and stick game, India's national sport, he would not comment on India's chances against Australia in today's match.
"I'm not a hockey expert but will always support the team. My good wishes are always with them whether they perform or fail to live upto expectations," Tendulkar said.
Talking about his double hundred, Tendulkar said he considers the record as a national mark and not an individual one.
"When I started the innings I did not know I will get 200. I will say it is an Indian record and will be happy it stays as an Indian record," he said.
The master batsman said he was sure the entire country was waiting to support the Indian cricket team when the 2011 World Cup unfolds in the sub-continent.
"I'm (eagerly) waiting for it. The entire country would be rooting for us," he said.
Tendulkar lost his cool when a scribe sought his reaction on Virender Sehwag's recent statement the Delhi batsman wants to take over his mentor's the number four spot in the Test line-up when he quits the game.
"Once I'm done (called it a day) I will let you know," he quipped.
Tendulkar sounded very happy with the time he spent today giving tips to underprivileged children as part of the charity he supports.
"When I knew I could do this camp I was very happy. I can't improve technique in one day but can talk on basics. I'm extremely proud to be part of this incredible movement," he said about his association with "Give India".
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