Gudipalli Shiva, locally known as ‘Tank Bund Shiva’, posed for a picture at the Tank Bund in Hyderabad on Wednesday. | Photo credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR
Like Batman, a man shaped by loss who turned his past into purpose, Gudipalli Shiva built a life out of watching over others. Shiva, once a child who grew up without support, much like the orphaned Bruce Wayne, today stands as a vigilant, near-constant presence at Hyderabad’s Hussainsagar Lake, acting swiftly when lives are threatened. Locally known as ‘Tank Bund Shiva’, it rescued more than 141 people and assisted the police in rescue operations.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced a financial assistance of ₹5,000, a 2BHK house and a Home Guard job for his son, along with the promise of a swimming pool at Sanjeevaiah Park on PV Narasimha Rao Marg, where Shiva hopes to train people in life-saving skills.
How did a childhood marked by surviving on the streets shape your journey to becoming someone who saves lives in Hussainsagar?
I spent part of my childhood in an orphanage after being separated from my family during a religious procession. Somehow I got to Chaderghat and since then I grew up on the streets. Survival became my daily routine. I used to collect plastic and scrap metal to earn a few rupees. During that time I met Mahendra who I considered a brother. I called his mother Amma and she treated me like her own son. Those years taught me resilience and responsibility. When you grow up without support, you learn to rely on your instincts and your will to survive. That thinking has stuck with me to this day.
What made you dedicate your life to saving the people of Hussainsagar?
The turning point was two tragedies. One day Mahendra accidentally slipped and fell into the Hasmatpet lake and died. A year later, the child slipped into Hussainsagar Lake. Pavan, who was walking with me on the trail, could swim and immediately jumped to help. But things didn’t go as we hoped and they both drowned. From that day on, I decided that I would never again be in a position where I couldn’t help someone in the water. I started training seriously. For the past 25 years, this lake has been my workplace and my responsibility. I rescued more than 141 people and also helped the police in recovering the bodies.
Apart from pulling people out of the water, what does your role at Hussainsagar entail?
Being a lifeguard isn’t just about swimming. It’s about observing and understanding people. Many who approach the edge are dealing with problems that cannot be seen. Over time, I learned to pick up on behavior, gait, mannerisms, and hesitation. Sometimes it is enough to talk to a person at the right moment and prevent something serious. There are also situations when quick decisions are needed. Jumping into the water is not enough. You need a technique to approach the person safely and bring them back without putting yourself at risk. I have seen cases where people hesitate or stand and record videos instead of helping. Acting in these moments requires courage and skill. I learned to swim in difficult conditions in Saroornagar and nearby areas, but today I want people to have better training and facilities to be ready.
The government has now recognized your work and pledged support. How do you see your plans changing for the future?
I am grateful for the support announced by the Prime Minister. I was told that it was his wife who asked him to offer me and my family some help. Although the paycheck, the house, and a job for my son are important to my family, the promise of the pool is most important to me. This is something I’ve always wanted. My goal is not to commercialize it. I want to create a space where anyone can come and learn swimming and rescue techniques. If more people are trained, more lives can be saved.
After everything you’ve experienced, what drives you on and what do you want to pass on to the next generation?
Living near a lake and in the city changes the way you see life. Every day I stand there and know that anything can happen at any time. It keeps me alert and grounded. I hope the house provided by the government is in the city because I want to stay connected. I also tried to pass on what I learned to my son Venu Madhav. From a boy who fought in the street to someone who now guards this lake, my life has been shaped by responsibility. As long as I’m here, I will continue to follow the water because every life matters.
Published – 02 Apr 2026 08:29 IST
