Gautam Adani’s Silent Seva at Rath Yatra: When Leadership Walks Barefoot With Devotion
Puri | June 28, 2025 — Amid chants of "Jai Jagannath" and the rolling of sacred chariots through Puri’s Grand Road, Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, participated in this year’s Rath Yatra, not as a business icon but as a humble sevak (volunteer), embodying the principle of “Seva hi Sadhana hai” (Service is Worship).
Walking barefoot, dressed in traditional attire, and blending seamlessly with lakhs of devotees, Adani’s quiet participation on the second day of the nine-day festival spoke volumes. His presence was a powerful symbol of humility, devotion, and corporate responsibility intertwined with India’s spiritual fabric.
Not Just a Gesture, But a Philosophy
Adani’s actions during the Rath Yatra went beyond symbolism:
- Voluntary logistics support for chariot pulling
- Engagement with servitors (Daitapatis) to coordinate rituals
- Medical aid and sanitation planning for devotees
- On-ground facilitation of services by Adani Foundation volunteers
This form of “living seva” was not a public spectacle but a continuation of Adani Group’s deep-rooted commitment to community welfare through quiet, sustained efforts.
Seva Beyond Business: A Model of Faith-Driven Philanthropy
The Adani Foundation’s involvement in Puri this year is significant:
- Distribution of 4 million+ free meals and beverages to pilgrims
- Establishment of nutritious food counters across the city
- Cool drink kiosks to combat Odisha’s oppressive summer heat
- Support for Puri Beach Lifeguard Mahasangha
- Plastic waste clean-up drives at beaches
- Provision of fluorescent safety vests, raincoats, T-shirts for volunteers
The joint effort was carried out in collaboration with:
- Puri District Administration
- ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness)
- Local volunteer organisations
This alignment of public, private and civil society groups reflects a model for inclusive spiritual governance.
From Prayagraj to Puri: A Continuum of Spiritual Commitment
This isn’t Gautam Adani’s first such involvement:
- During the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj (Jan 14 – Feb 26), Adani Group supported extensive seva programs including food distribution and sanitation.
- On January 21, Adani personally served pilgrims, reflecting his belief that social service is a core responsibility, not an afterthought.
A Lesson in Leadership: Walking Silently Behind the Chariots
In an age where corporate optics dominate headlines, Gautam Adani’s quiet participation during the Rath Yatra highlighted a contrasting form of leadership — one grounded in faith, humility and action.
“True leadership is about walking behind the chariot, not always being in front of it.” — echoed among observers at the event.
His chariot-pulling seva, coordination with locals, and dedication to the needs of pilgrims positioned Adani not just as an industrialist, but as a spiritual citizen invested in India’s civilizational continuity.
Why It Matters
- It redefines corporate responsibility — linking philanthropy with cultural and spiritual ecosystems
- Demonstrates how infrastructure and influence can serve faith-based causes
- Encourages inclusive participation across sectors for public good
As India reclaims its ancient festivals as moments of collective strength and devotion, Adani’s presence acts as a bridge — between industry and faith, policy and people, modernity and dharma.