Wheels Of Grit: How Specially Abled Women Are Redefining Delivery Jobs
1
2
Nagpur: On any given day, if you spot a food delivery executive zipping past you on an electric bike, look closer — you might witness a quiet revolution in motion. Wearing the uniform of a leading food delivery aggregator, five women aren't just beating traffic; they're beating the odds.
Each one lives with over 80% disability. Earning a steady income of Rs25,000 a month, these women are scripting a new narrative of dignity and independence.
TOI spoke to a few specially abled women who are currently working as food delivery executives to learn about what drove them to the job. Manjusha Dhanorkar, who was widowed two years back after a long illness of her husband, wanted to take care of her two children — studying in 10th and 12th — and her mother-in-law and her husband's grandmother.
"Even before the death of my husband when he was suffering from a deadly disease, the responsibility of my family came over me. I had two options: either let my disability stop me or do something for my family. I chose the latter," said Dhanorkar.
She then started driving children to school in her e-rickshaw and used to earn around Rs15,000 per month. "Around four months back, I got the opportunity to work as a food delivery executive.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
Now I am working both jobs and earning a modest living," said Dhanorkar.
Dhanorkar was among five other women and 10 men who got to work with the food delivery aggregator after they were approached by an organisation, Youth4Job, which works for people with disabilities.
Trupti Lonare, who too has to take care of her widowed sister and a mother suffering from paralysis, said that she got a call from the organisation.
"They told me that they will be providing us training and a vehicle to make deliveries.
They told me that we have to pay Rs3,000. Earlier I was hesitant but later agreed to it and paid the money on the day of training. We were provided with vehicles and training about how to deal with customers. Since then, 15 of us, including five women, have joined the food aggregator and are earning steadily," said Lonare, adding that the job has made her financially independent.
The specially abled food delivery executives have to do orders in a 4-kilometre radius from their residence and carry out around 10 deliveries every day, earning Rs80 per delivery.
"I am a graduate and live with my old parents. I work for around 6 hours daily till the battery of my vehicle sustains. I also do sewing work side by side. This work has given me renewed dignity that I too can live with respect," said Suruchi Shahu, another food delivery executive.
The women claimed that 95% of their experience while working is good.
"When we tell customers that we are handicapped, they come down from the building and even look at us with awe and respect. What else do we need," said Shahu.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
41 minutes ago
- Time of India
Top stocks to buy today: Stock recommendations for June 20, 2025
Top stocks to buy today (AI image) Stock market recommendations: According to Bajaj Broking Research, Paras Defence and Space Technologies, and Thirumalai Chemicals are the top stock picks for today. Here's its view on Nifty, Bank Nifty and the top stock picks for June 20, 2025: Index View: NIFTY Investor sentiment remains fragile amid intensifying geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have catalyzed a rally in Brent crude prices. This presents a significant macroeconomic overhang for India, given its substantial reliance on crude imports, thereby casting a shadow over forward earnings visibility for India Inc. Meanwhile, the US Federal Reserve, in its recent policy review, maintained the federal funds rate within the target range of 4.25%–4.50%, aligning with market consensus. The Fed reiterated its forward guidance for 2025, signaling a data-dependent stance with no imminent pivot in sight. On the domestic front, the benchmark index continues to exhibit a phase of time-wise correction, consolidating within a well-demarcated range of 24,400–25,200 for the fifth successive week. The price action suggests a lack of directional conviction, indicative of a range-bound market structure. On the upside, 25,000 remains a critical supply zone. A sustained breakout and close above this resistance threshold could trigger momentum-driven upside towards the upper boundary of the consolidation band at 25,200. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sunteck Sky Park, Mira Road - 2 & 3 BHK @ ₹1.33 Cr* Sunteck Sky Park Learn More Undo However, failure to absorb supply at this level may extend the prevailing sideways trajectory. On the downside, immediate support is situated at 24,700. A decisive breach below this inflection point could intensify selling pressure, potentially dragging the index towards the lower end of the consolidation band in the 24,500–24,400 range. Key support is anchored in the 24,500–24,400 zone, which marks a confluence of the 50-day EMA and the lower boundary of the five-week consolidation range, making it a crucial demand zone for the index. Only a breach below the lower band amid further escalation of geopolitical tension will signal acceleration of the decline towards 24,000 levels. NIFTY BANK Bank Nifty continues to consolidate in a range as investors remain on the edge amid intensifying geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. From a structural standpoint, a sustained breakout and close above the 56,000 psychological marks would be essential to unlock further upside potential, with the index likely to gravitate towards the 56,600–57,000 resistance zone. However, failure to clear this overhead supply zone could result in continued range-bound action, with price oscillating between 56,000 and 55,000, shifting market attention to stock-specific alpha generation. On the flip side, a decisive break down below the 55,000 levels would negate the ongoing consolidation structure and trigger a corrective move towards the critical support cluster at 54,500–54,000. This zone represents a confluence of the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) and the key Fibonacci retracement zone of the prior impulse leg (53,483–57,049). Stock Recommendations: Paras Defence and Space Technologies Buy in the range of Rs 1610-1645 Target SL Return Time Period Rs 1790 1528 10% 3 Months The stock is at the cusp of breaking above the falling trendline joining the highs of May and June 2025 signaling resumption of up move and offers fresh entry opportunity. The stock is currently seen rebounding after a base formation above the 20 days EMA signaling overall positive bias. The daily 14 periods RSI has generated a buy signal moving above its nine periods average thus validating positive bias. We expect the stock to head higher towards 1790 levels in the coming months being the 61.8% retracement of the previous decline (1945-1540). Thirumalai Chemicals Buy in the range of Rs 286-294 Target SL Return Time Period Rs 319 272 10% 3 Months The stock has recently generated a breakout above a rounding formation and is seen sustaining above the short- and medium-term moving averages thus supports the positive bias. The daily MACD is in uptrend and is seen sustaining above its nine periods average signaling positive bias. We expect the stock to head towards 319 levels in the coming months being the 61.8% retracement of the entire decline (395-201). Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Expecting a flush of money in India; 6 sectors to invest in over next 4-5 years: Sandip Agarwal
Sandip Agarwal , Fund Manager& Co founder, Sowilo Investment Managers , says India is poised for significant financial growth due to positive economic indicators and an anticipated surge in private capital expenditure (capex). While not immediately apparent in current figures, this capex increase is expected to materialize soon. Sectors like water, chemicals, cement, banks, power, and related ancillary industries present attractive investment opportunities over the next four to five years. You being a fund manager would definitely talk about long-term strategies, but given the market juncture right now, it is important to know what is going on in your mind and although the market on Thursday has erased the losses and is in a very range-bound and flattish territory right now, what sense are you making out of the market post Fed policy announcement? Sandip Agarwal: We are seeing that a few things have played out very positively. For instance, the RBI's upfronting of the rate cut along with liquidity flush, is number one. Number two, we are seeing a very clear trend that if you leave aside the Middle East problem which is currently there, crude is on a structural downturn for a multiple of reasons, more discoveries, and also everyone is in a race to sell more and more crude and there is a renewable energy demand. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo So, those things are playing in favour of India and that also reflects on the current account deficits. We have seen a period between 2010 and 2024 when Nifty returns were good because of the consistent rupee depreciation. The net return in the hands of the FII and FPI was quite low. Now we believe that because of the crude and because of the good GDP growth and also the more value addition which we are seeing in the electronic imports, we are in a situation where probably we will not see a structural sharp decline in the Indian Rupee and once this is recognised by the FIIs and FPI, a lot of money will come to India. We are expecting a flush of money in India because all other factors are very positive, any which ways for India, the growth rates and everything. Second, we are very positive on the capex issue. A lot of private capex has started picking up. It is not showing in the numbers currently, but it will start reflecting with a lag effect. We have been on a road trip to industrial towns in the country and we are seeing a lot of positive momentum on the private capex picking up. Where do you believe this money will get parked? In which sectors is now the time and where is the valuation comfort? Sandip Agarwal: It is a very good question and a very tricky one. But let me put it this way. Some of the capital goods stock may look expensive in the near term, but if you see the opportunity of capex in next four-five years whether it is in auto ancillaries or in industrial machinery, and all, you will see a lot of demand there and the multiples may look expensive now but they can create lot of value, so that is one space. Live Events You Might Also Like: If West Asia conflict spreads and oil pips $80, it will upset the apple cart for Indian & Asian equities: David Chao Secondly, the financial intermediary space is very hot right now. But if someone is taking a three- to five-year call, there is a lot of money to be made there on the non-lending side. Even in the private bank space, if you leave aside the next two quarters where there will be some NIM compression, we are seeing a lot of value in the longer term because if the economy is going to do well, if capex spend is going to happen, then banks will see a very good pickup in the credit growth as well. So, that is another theme which can be there. The government is focused a lot on the water theme and there is a tremendous amount of work happening on the water side. This capex, water, chemicals, cement, banks, and non-lending ones also, these six things are very attractive right now along with power. In power, the whole ancillary setup of the power like cables and transformers look very good. But we have to see at what price they are available and whether there is value or not. If you end up buying something very expensive, all your returns for next three years are already built in. We have to be a little bit careful, but these six-seven things will do phenomenally well in the next four-five years. Any specific reason when we look at consumer discretionary and especially the next six months of this calendar year, where we will see a lot of impact coming in and consumption going up because of the rate cut scenario? Now that we have seen a boost to the consumption sector, is there any specific pocket where you are focused? Sandip Agarwal: The problem is particularly on the consumption side, the challenge is that our per capita income is consistently going up and when per capita income starts going up, then people try to generally upgrade. So, the volume may not go up that much and the value may keep on going up, but additionally, our net population addition has also started seeing a little bit of deceleration. So, the key theme now will be more on the per capita income side. All your services which are on the luxury side, like costly car dealerships, the car services, the expensive watches, QSRs and all those things should do phenomenally well in my view. India is more of an increase in per capita income theme rather than only pure volume population-led theme and that is a big change happening on the consumer side. Within consumers, you will have to shift your portfolio towards expensive stuff that are proxies to increase in per capita income. You Might Also Like: Markets in a sideways zone and looking at West Asia development, tariff deadline: Dipan Mehta
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Career Horoscope Today for June 20, 2025: Predictions for All Zodiac Signs
Get the stars to power your career development and financial growth daily. Pick up personalised clues to pump up your productivity, play it smarter with finance, and take opportunities as they come. Step up by following spot-on horoscope advice tailored to your working and wealth-building journey. Aries Career Horoscope Today , 20 June 2025 Today is all about value creation, so don't rush to race through your work. At work, make sure you are concentrating on the quality of your output, since some people look for effort if it shows real results. While making money, think smart money: quick earning is not something you want to focus all your energy on, for this energy should be put into the long term. Trust-building is the promised reward for your good work, so think big. Taurus Career Horoscope Today, 20 June 2025 Be careful about how money flows from one hand to another today! Something might tempt you- an offer, a deal, or a quick buy- but don't rush into it. Your practical mind normally secures you, so don't let it down now. Avoid hasty decisions at work. Regarding your finances, always check twice: spending or investing. Later, you may find that acting on impulse will cost you dearly. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Think of yourself as building a good, solid ground beneath your feet. Gemini Career Horoscope Today, 20 June 2025 People are looking to you for answers. Being seen as a problem solver is deserved. Lead others with your superior thinking and communication skills. At work, your ideas might uplift an already beaten path of advancement for the whole team. Financially, it may even bring a long-pending solution. Have no doubts about yourself: trust in the real asset of your quick-thinking ability. Step into leadership quietly and without ego. Cancer Career Horoscope Today, 20 June 2025 Today, someone's feedback may hit you more personally, even though it would be better to take a moment and think before reacting. Your emotions run too high, but do not let the ego get in the way of growth. At work, very likely, some advice or correction will be given to you; instead of being defensive, try to listen calmly. Financially, some suggestions may help, with the proviso that you remain open. You work hard and with sincerity, and people want to see your growth. Leo Career Horoscope Today, 20 June 2025 You have developed strong connections but have not fully leveraged them. Today is a wonderful day to realise this. An old friend, a colleague, or a past contact may open a door or present an important idea. Work can move faster on tasks if work is done together, while financially, conversation may open avenues for opportunity or saving. You need not give it all by yourself; people around you are more than willing to go the extra mile for you—you might just have to ask. Virgo Career Horoscope Today, 20 June 2025 You get your work done efficiently, but where is your time really going? Today, become aware of little time leaks—unplanned calls, scattered focus, and a delayed start. At work, structure your day visibly. Even 15 minutes saved here and there would count. The more punctual you are, the better you will be at handling things that get you a better income. If you love productivity, today is the day to tune it fine. Write it all down. Libra Career Horoscope Today, 20 June 2025 If you have been waiting for a good time, it is far better than yesterday. Your energy felt balanced, and now listeners are more ready to receive you. At work, if things need adjustment, go ahead and suggest it gently. Also, it's a good time to negotiate payments, rates, or agreements. You know how to cultivate harmony, so make use of that skill today. Be self-assured yet relaxed. What felt stuck earlier will now move. It merely requires your clear and graceful approach. Scorpio Career Horoscope Today, 20 June 2025 You are very focused, but that focus needs to be even more potent with respect to your goals. Take a few minutes to redirect yourself to what you really want today. Or at work, don't just be lost in doing; instead, ask "Why am I doing this?" The same goes for finances; once your intention is clear, your actions become smart. Don't chase everything. Chase everything that counts. Clarity will be your guide today as you direct your power. Sagittarius Career Horoscope Today, 20 June 2025 Your fire carries excitement that will give precedence to consistency today. The more consistent you are in your efforts toward a goal, the less energy you will need to chase that goal for results. At work, stick to the routine even when it feels slow. Do not keep hopping from one idea to another; rather, follow your financial plan with discipline. Your energy, if stable, will definitely yield results. Build focus by consistently showing up. Capricorn Career Horoscope Today, 20 June 2025 You are already disciplined, but today, even one slight change in your system will boost your productivity. Review your daily flow, what can you do better, quicker, or calmer? At work, make improvements to your routine; one small change can free up time and take away stress. In finances, explore whether there's a new way that makes you budget or keep track easier. Structure is something you adore, and today is an excellent day to build on that. Aquarius Career Horoscope Today, 20 June 2025 Perhaps you are giving too much and receiving very little in return, in financial terms. Today is an excellent day to reassess your fees or pricing. Your particular skills deserve fair value, either in a workplace setting or a freelance setting. Do not sell yourself short merely to stay comfortable. Financially, your worth depends on what you allow. Ask loudly and properly for what fits your offers. You are not being greedy; you are being fair. Pisces Career Horoscope Today, 20 June 2025 If your primary source of income feels scarce or constrictive, the possibility of other sources needs to be investigated. The stars are favouring multi-streaming of income today. At work, explore side skills you can put to good use. Finance-wise, an additional small source means increased freedom. You are grasped in harness- try not to keep all your energy tied to one thing. Think outside the comfort zone. A hobby, a past idea, or part-time work might be looking to grow. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
