From Rs 1.25 Lakh Salary To Food Delivery: Zomato Rider's Inspiring Story Of Resilience, Integrity

News18

25-05-2025

Last Updated:
A Zomato delivery rider in Pune, once a construction supervisor, corrected a Subway order mistake. Despite his disabilities, he declined compensation.
A routine food delivery in Pune has become an inspiring story of kindness, resilience, and humanity, earning widespread praise and admiration on social media.
Shripal Gandhi shared a heartwarming story on Facebook about how a simple Subway lunch order turned into a profound life lesson, leaving a lasting impact on him.
'When the order arrived, I could tell just by looking at the packet — only the sandwich had made it," Gandhi wrote. He informed the delivery partner that the chips and cookies were missing. The rider, who appeared hesitant and unsure, replied humbly, 'Sir, please call the restaurant or Zomato."
Gandhi contacted Subway, which apologised for the mistake and offered to send the delivery rider back for Rs 20.
However, there was a catch: delivery partners aren't obligated to return to the restaurant unless Zomato instructs them, as the platform pays them, not the restaurant, making extra trips voluntary.
Yet, this particular delivery agent didn't hesitate. 'Sir, it's my responsibility. I want the customer to be happy," he told Gandhi.
The delivery rider went out of his way to return with the missing items, handed them over with a smile, and declined the Rs 20 compensation, saying, 'God has given me so much, why take money for someone else's mistake?"
The rider opened up about his past. Once a construction supervisor, climbing the corporate ladder at Shapoorji Pallonji, he earned Rs 1.25 lakh per month. But a car accident changed the course of his life. His left hand and leg were paralysed. He lost his job, his stability, and for a time, his hope.
'Zomato changed that," he told Gandhi. 'They gave me a job. A chance. A purpose." He added, 'Sir, Zomato kept my family alive. I may be handicapped, but I've been given an opportunity. I will never let Zomato's name be affected."
The delivery rider, whose name Gandhi didn't mention, revealed that his daughter is currently pursuing dentistry. 'He rides not just for income, but to keep her dream alive. He didn't blame life. He didn't complain. He didn't give excuses. He smiled, believed in Swami Samarth (his faith), and said: 'God is with me. Why should I worry?"
As Gandhi concluded his post, 'Today I received a sandwich. But what stayed with me… was gratitude, resilience, and hope."
He thanked Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal and the team, saying, 'You might not realise it, but your decision to hire persons with disabilities is changing lives in the most profound way."
The post has since gone viral, drawing admiration and applause from readers. One commenter wrote, 'Salute to such humans…" Another added, 'Wow, awesome and truly inspiring." Others chimed in with remarks like 'Very inspiring story" and 'Thank you, Shripal Gandhi, for sharing this life lesson."
First Published:
May 25, 2025, 16:13 IST