'Rs 1 lakh salary per month'; Life lessons from a Zomato delivery agent

The big twist in the life of a Zomato delivery agent based in Pune turned into a topic of discussion on social media the other day.

It was Shripal Gandhi’s Facebook note about life lessons from ‘Zomato’ that went viral on social media.

“The food I ordered arrived and when I looked at the packet, there was only a sandwich. I told the delivery boy about the missing cookies and chips which should have been in the packet. The delivery boy curtly asked me to enquire with Zomato or the restaurant.

I contacted the hotel. They apologized for the mistake and offered to send the delivery rider back for Rs 20. However, there was a problem. Delivery partners are not obligated to return to the restaurant unless instructed by Zomato. However, this delivery agent turned out to be an anomaly. He told me that it was his responsibility to deliver the food again. He then went back to the hotel and returned with the food.

I gently offered him the Rs 20 as recommended by Zomato but he refused. I pestered him to take the money but to no avail. It was then he opened up about his past.

The delivery boy was formerly a supervisor at Shapoorji Pallonji Builders. He used to earn Rs 1.25 lakh per month. But a car accident turned his life upside down. His left arm and leg became paralyzed and soon he lost his job.

Despite knocking on many doors, nobody showed the generosity to offer him work. Later, he tried his luck with Zomato. The food delivery service and restaurant aggregator instantly offered him a job which he cites as the reason for his family not falling apart.

His daughter is now pursuing a course in BDS. He is working hard just to make her dreams a reality. Despite all the setbacks, the delivery agent is a happy man. Despite his disabilities, somebody recognized his value. The feeling gives him pride.”