Mumbai: DSP Mutual Fund, Dentsu Creative India, and Falco Robotics have come together to unveil Garuda Rakshak, a breakthrough search-and-rescue drone system developed to reunite lost children with their families during the Purna Maha Kumbh—the world’s largest religious gathering, held once every 144 years. This year’s event drew over 663 million people to Prayagraj, creating unprecedented logistical challenges, particularly in reconnecting separated children with their families amidst congested mobile networks.
Garuda Rakshak, launched on-ground at the festival, combines cutting-edge drone automation with offline, low-data technology to eliminate response delays and navigate areas where mobile networks fail. The solution was made possible by a tri-partnership: Dentsu Creative India led the development of the system under the leadership of Gurbaksh Singh, Chief Innovation Officer; Falco Robotics donated the drones powering the technology; and DSP Mutual Fund funded the initiative in alignment with its ‘Invest for Good’ philosophy.
“At DSP Mutual Fund, we believe that investing goes beyond chasing monetary gains — it’s about bettering lives, communities, and inspiring hope. Backing an idea like Garuda Rakshak truly resonates with our belief that the most meaningful solutions to real problems of today can sometimes be found by those willing to dip into the wisdom of the past. For us, this initiative of hope came straight from the heart, while still embodying, perhaps even elevating our commitment to DSP’s ‘Invest for Good’ philosophy. Because the most meaningful returns are found in the safety, love, and smiles we can help bring back to the world,” said Abhik Sanyal, Head of Marketing, DSP Asset Managers.
Inspired by Garuda, the mythological guardian in Hindu tradition, the system uses 1970s marine navigation technology integrated with modern drone capabilities. Its 8-bit communication protocol transmits vital data over several kilometers using less than 1 kilobyte, enabling robust performance in low-connectivity areas.
Key Operational Highlights:
- The 4,000-hectare festival grounds were divided into four zones, each monitored by a drone stationed at a Lost & Found Centre.
- Children and guardians received low-cost wristbands upon entry.
- In case of separation, a simple tap of the guardian’s band at a Lost & Found Centre activated the system.
- The child’s wristband transmitted GPS data; drones flew at 80 km/h to the child’s location.
- An extendable color marker deployed by the drone allowed quick visual identification.
- Real-time coordinates were relayed to on-ground teams, enabling rapid intervention.
Early results have been remarkable:
- 78% of children were located within 5 minutes.
- Every child wearing a wristband was successfully reunited with their family.
“The integration of drone technology with Garuda Rakshak’s offline navigation system has resulted in a truly pioneering solution, uniquely equipped to handle the complexities of such extraordinary, high-density events. We’re excited to see the difference it makes,” said Vishal Dixit, CEO, Falco Robotics.
“In an era dominated by IoTs, we’ve taken a step back to draw inspiration from the past and fused it with new-age drone automation that not only saves lives but also restores hope and reassurance to families in their most vulnerable moments. By developing an entirely offline system, we eliminate reliance on congested networks, ensuring no margin for error during critical rescue operations. This project showcases the transformative power of technology when driven by human compassion and a relentless pursuit of a safer, more caring world,” added Gurbaksh Singh, Chief Innovation Officer, Dentsu Creative India.
The initiative also earned praise from government officials:
“The Kumbh in Prayagraj is a divinely majestic event, and with the integration of digital technology, it can be made even more convenient and accessible for all visitors. This vision shaped the comprehensive planning efforts. After the successful conclusion of the Kumbh, I am pleased to share that the Garuda Team’s use of technology to safely reunite lost children with their families was truly commendable and worthy of appreciation. I would also like to see the Garuda Team operate on an even larger and more expansive scale during the upcoming Kumbh events in Ujjain and Nashik,” said Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Government of India.
By reimagining how drone technology can be used in crisis management, Garuda Rakshak has set a new benchmark for public safety innovation at large-scale events. As it moves beyond the Purna Maha Kumbh, the system offers a scalable and replicable model for high-density gatherings across the world.
