A watchful life at Hussainsagar: Tank Bund Shiva’s two decades of saving lives

Like Batman, a man shaped by loss and turning his past into purpose, Gudipalli Shiva built a life looking out for others. Once a child growing up unsupported like the orphaned Bruce Wayne, today Shiva remains a vigilant and near-constant presence in Hyderabad’s Hussainsagar lake, acting quickly when lives are at risk. Known locally as ‘Tank Bund Shiva’, he rescued more than 141 people and assisted police in rescue operations.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced financial assistance of ₹ 5 lakh, a 2 BHK house and an Homeland Security 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.

I spent part of my childhood in an orphanage after being separated from my family during a religious ceremony. Somehow I reached Chaderghat and from then on I grew up on the streets. Survival has become my daily routine. I collected plastic and scrap to earn a few rupees. During this time, I met Mahendra, whom I consider my brother. I called his mother butand he treated me like his own son. Those years taught me resilience and responsibility. When you grow up without support, you learn to trust your instincts and your will to survive. This mentality has stayed with me even today.

The turning point was two tragedies. One day, Mahendra accidentally fell into Hasmatpet lake and died. A year later, a child fell into the Hussainsagar lake. Pavan, who lived on the trails with me, knew how to swim and immediately jumped in to help. However, things did not go as we hoped and they both drowned. From that day on, I decided that I would never be in a situation where I couldn’t help someone in the water. I started training myself seriously. For the past 25 years, this lake has been my workplace and responsibility. I rescued more than 141 people and also helped the police recover the bodies.

Being a lifeguard isn’t just about swimming. It’s about observing and understanding people. Many of those approaching the border are dealing with problems that are invisible to the naked eye. Over time, I learned to notice behavior, gait, mannerisms and hesitations. Sometimes talking to a person at the right time can prevent a serious situation. There are also situations where a quick decision must be made. Jumping into the water is not enough. You need the technique to safely approach a person and bring them back without putting yourself at risk. I’ve seen situations where people hesitated or stopped and recorded videos rather than helping. Taking action in those moments requires both courage and skill. I learned to swim in harsh conditions in Saroornagar and surrounding areas, but today I want people to have better training and facilities so they can be prepared.

I am grateful for the support announced by the Prime Minister. I was told that it was his wife who asked him to offer help to me and my family. Although my son’s check, home and job are important to my family, what is most important to me is the promise of a swimming pool. This is something I’ve always wanted. My aim is not to commercialize. I want to create a space where anyone can come and learn swimming and rescue techniques. If more people are educated, more lives can be saved.

Living near the lake and in the city changes your perspective on life. I stand there knowing that anything can happen at any time, every day. This keeps me awake and alert. I hope the government-provided house is in the city because I want to stay connected. I tried to pass on what I learned to my son Venu Madhav. From a child struggling on the streets to someone now protecting this lake, my life has been shaped by responsibility. As long as I’m here, I’ll continue to watch the water because every life matters.