'I am also human': An 18-Year-old's delivery executive's silent cry for dignity sparks outrage on Reddit

Economic Times

27-05-2025

An 18-year-old Zomato delivery worker's Reddit post exposed the harsh realities faced by gig economy workers in Mumbai. He recounted instances of abuse, language discrimination, and physical assault while striving to support his family.
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Climbing Stairs, Dodging Dogs, Enduring Abuse
Blame Games and Unfair Expectations
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A Dangerous Encounter, A Slap for Honesty
Language as a Barrier to Dignity
Humanity in Decline
Online Reactions: A Mirror to Our Behavior
A recent Reddit post titled 'Just a Delivery Boy, But Also Human' has stirred deep emotions across social media platforms. Shared anonymously by an 18-year-old food delivery worker in Mumbai, the story offers a raw and emotional account of the silent suffering faced by many gig economy workers.This young man, hailing from a farming family in Andhra Pradesh, took up a job with Zomato to support himself after his parents faced financial ruin due to a failed harvest. Borrowing a friend's motorcycle, he entered the world of food delivery, unaware of the daily challenges that lay ahead.Over a span of just three months, the teenager encountered a distressing series of ordeals. From being chased and bitten by unleashed pets to climbing numerous flights of stairs in high-rise buildings—denied access to elevators simply because of his uniform—each day tested his resilience.Many apartment complexes treated delivery personnel as second-class citizens, barring them from basic conveniences and offering no concern for their safety. Despite the physical and mental strain, he continued working without complaint, silently absorbing the daily dose of disrespect.One of his major challenges has been the unreasonable expectations of customers and the lack of accountability from local restaurants. While established brands maintain standard packaging, many local eateries use poor-quality materials. When spills occur, customers frequently blame the delivery executive, leading to bad reviews or even reduced earnings. This makeshift worker becomes the scapegoat, caught in a cycle where customer satisfaction trumps fairness.One of the most heart-wrenching incidents he recounted was being physically assaulted during a late-night delivery. A customer had entered the wrong address, and after the boy traveled an additional 7 kilometers to the correct location, he was met with drunken rage. Instead of appreciation, he was met with violence. Slapped across the face, he did not retaliate or report the incident. He simply apologized and left—an act of silence rooted in fear and survival.Language discrimination has also been a major source of distress. As someone unfamiliar with Marathi, he often faces verbal abuse when he speaks in Hindi. Though he has begun learning the local language, his efforts are dismissed, and in some cases, ridiculed. Rather than being seen as someone striving to integrate and contribute, he's frequently viewed as an outsider or a nuisance.The boy emphasized that his intent was never to take anyone's job, but to support his education and survive in a city that has grown cold to basic human decency. While he acknowledged the presence of kind-hearted customers, they remain few and far between. The bulk of his experience has been stained by mistreatment and disregard, leading him to question the fading presence of compassion in society.The post struck a nerve among Reddit users. Many expressed shame at how blue-collar workers are treated, calling out the elitist mindset prevalent in urban India. Some shared personal stories of being mocked for showing basic kindness to security guards or delivery agents. Others voiced their disdain for unrealistic delivery schemes and pledged to avoid ordering food during rain or high-pressure hours. A consistent theme emerged: delivery workers deserve more than just a thank-you—they deserve dignity, respect, and empathy.