Waves of Courage, Shores of Seva: How Puri’s Lifeguards and Gautam Adani’s Vision are Saving Lives by the Sea
As over 10 lakh devotees gathered for the Rath Yatra in Puri, a quieter act of seva unfolded at the beach. Inspired by Chairman Gautam Adani’s belief that “Seva hi Sadhana hai,” (Service is Worship), traditional lifeguards from the Nolia community—armed with new rescue gear provided by the Adani Group—have saved 156 lives in just 10 days. This fusion of compassion and corporate care is reshaping beach safety on Odisha’s sacred coast.
Puri’s sea beach is not only one of India’s most iconic tourist destinations but also a place of deep spiritual resonance during the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra. As the waves roll in with their characteristic unpredictability, a different tide of devotion sweeps across the sands—not just from over 10 lakh of pilgrims, but from those who stand guard to protect them.
Amid the crowds and chaos, a group of quiet heroes—the Nolia fishermen community, who have been serving as traditional lifeguards for generations—have been working tirelessly to keep lives safe. Over the past 10 days alone, these brave lifeguards have saved 156 people from drowning, responding with unwavering courage and speed.
In recognition of their extraordinary service, the Adani Group has stepped forward with a timely and meaningful gesture. Under its wider Rath Yatra seva initiatives, the Group has equipped these lifeguards with modern safety gear including life jackets, torches, rescue ropes, and other critical tools. The lifeguards—often exposed to risky conditions—now operate with greater security and confidence.
This effort reflects the spirit of Chairman Gautam Adani’s philosophy of “Seva hi Sadhana hai” (Service is Worship)—a belief that real social responsibility lies in uplifting those who uplift others.
In parallel, the Group has also extended support to the municipality’s sanitation workers, providing fluorescent safety jackets and essential tools. These often-overlooked frontline workers ensure cleanliness amid millions of visitors during the nine-day-long Rath Yatra.
Over 450 trained members of the Nolia community operate under the Puri Beach Lifeguard Federation, monitoring nearly every important stretch of the coastline—from bustling hotel areas to the prestigious Blue Flag beach zone. They start their patrols at dawn and stay vigilant until long past dusk, with eyes constantly scanning the sea.
Thanks to this partnership, Puri Beach is not only more beautiful—it’s significantly safer. And behind that safety lies a deeper story of collaboration between grassroots heroes and corporate conscience.
When seva meets sensitivity, transformation becomes tangible. The 156 lives saved are not just numbers—they are living reminders that the greatest acts of service often happen quietly, with feet in the sand, eyes on the waves, and hearts wide open.Puri Beach Lifeguards Save 156 Lives in 10 Days. This marks the first time a corporate group has taken such a serious and proactive step toward enhancing beach safety at Puri.
More than 450 trained members of the Nolia community are currently working under the banner of the ‘Puri Beach Lifeguard Federation.’ They are deployed along nearly every vital stretch of the coast — from hotel zones to the iconic Blue Flag beach. These lifeguards remain vigilant from early morning until late at night, ensuring that no mishap occurs. Each life saved stands testimony to their alertness and courage.
The Adani Group’s initiative has not only strengthened the Nolia community with critical resources but has also sent a powerful message when service meets sensitivity, real social transformation is possible.
Today, Puri Beach is not just beautiful, it is significantly safer than ever before. And behind this growing sense of security stand those unsung heroes who are rarely captured by cameras but are always ready to pull the drowning to safety.
