Dear 18-Yr-Old Me, Keep Smashing Those Naysayers, Says Jwala Gutta

Dear 18-year-old Jwala,

Tough game today, huh? But you killed it girl. Aren’t you enjoying this? You’ve realised that badminton is what you want from life. Those 5 am practice sessions and missed late night parties will show results. You will win medals, and you will feel no prouder than the moment you watch India’s flag unfurl because you won the women’s doubles gold at the CWG. #YouGoGirl.

Btw, this is the new hashtag lingo that you’ll soon learn. That’s the least of your problems. Jwala, you need to be cautious about the world ahead. It’s not all that happy, beautiful and rosy. People will criticise you, they will judge you and they will try to pull you back. But don’t get affected by it. They are just noise pollution. You have a target. So solider on!

I wish someone had told me what I am going to tell you now, earlier in life. So listen up closely. Believe it or not, even in 2017, women are not treated equally in our society and when women try to do something different or are bold enough to be opinionated, there will be a range of voices opposing them and underplaying their opinions. But you don’t crumble, you continue to work towards your dream and never stop advocating.

Mantra to younger Jwala: Don’t have any regrets in life. It’s your life, live to the fullest and keep smashing those naysayers!

Love,
Jwala Gutta