Former Indian badminton star Jwala Gutta has been widely praised for her selfless gesture of donating 6.7 litres of breast milk to support premature and critically ill newborns. The donation, made to the Dhaatri Mother’s Milk Bank at Niloufer Children’s Hospital, Hyderabad, is being celebrated as a powerful message of empathy and awareness.
A Role Model On and Off the Court
Social media erupted in praise for the 41-year-old, with users calling her a “true role model” for women and celebrities alike. Many lauded her for challenging stereotypes around motherhood and physical appearance, particularly in a society where public conversations about breastfeeding are still hushed.
Jwala’s contribution is helping infants whose mothers are unable to feed due to health complications. Her act comes at a time when many opt for surrogacy or outside care due to career or aesthetic concerns, adding to the respect and admiration she’s receiving.
Motherhood and Message
Gutta welcomed her first child, a baby girl, with Tamil actor Vishnu Vishal in April 2025. Speaking about her donation, she emphasized the importance of encouraging breast milk awareness and highlighted how donated milk can save lives. The couple’s journey began at a family event and culminated in marriage, drawing public interest over the years.
Her gesture, seen as both generous and empowering, has sparked a larger conversation on the importance of human milk banks and the need to normalise discussions around them.
Sporting Legacy
Jwala Gutta remains one of India’s most decorated doubles players. A gold medallist at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in women’s doubles, she also secured a silver in 2014. Alongside Ashwini Ponnappa, she made history by reaching the 2011 BWF World Championship quarterfinals—an unmatched feat in Indian women’s doubles back then.
She won four BWF Grand Prix titles, several national championships, and represented India at the 2012 London Olympics. In 2011, she was honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award for her contribution to Indian badminton.
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