From Real Estate to Zomato Delivery Agent: A Tale of Resilience
Discover the inspiring story of a differently abled Zomato delivery agent from Pune, who overcame a life-changing accident to rebuild his life with hope and determination.
ResilienceZomatoDelivery AgentDifferently AbledPuneReal Estate PuneMay 25, 2025
In a post on Facebook, Gandhi shared the story of a man who lost a job with a Rs 1.5 lakh per month salary due to an accident. The victim’s journey from the real estate sector to a delivery agent is a testament to resilience and determination.
Gandhi ordered a paneer tikka sandwich, Bingo chips, and oat raisin cookies from Subway. “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 wrote in a post.
The business coach contacted Subway, and the restaurant promptly apologized for the oversight. “They asked, ‘Can you send the rider back? We’ll pay him Rs 20 for the trouble,’” he wrote. However, there was a catch. Technically, delivery partners are not required to return to the restaurant unless Zomato, the food aggregator platform, instructs them. Because Zomato pays the riders, not the restaurant, any additional trips fall outside their formal obligations.
Yet, this particular delivery agent didn’t hesitate. “Sir, it’s my responsibility. I want the customer to be happy,” he told Gandhi. He made the return trip to collect the missing items — and delivered them back with a smile. He even refused the Rs 20 compensation from Subway. His reason was simple but profound: “God has given me so much. Why should I take this money for a mistake someone else made?”
The delivery agent, whose identity is not revealed, narrated his story to Gandhi. The rider was once a construction supervisor employed with Shapoorji Pallonji, earning 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 did not disclose, shared that his daughter is now studying dentistry. “He rides not just for income, but to keep her dream alive,” Gandhi wrote. “He didn’t blame life. He didn’t complain. He didn’t give excuses.”
Instead, Gandhi said, “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 also took a moment to thank Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal and the team. “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.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the delivery agent before he started working for Zomato?
The delivery agent was a construction supervisor earning Rs 1.25 lakh per month. However, a car accident left him paralysed in his left hand and leg, causing him to lose his job and stability.
Why did the delivery agent go back to the restaurant to collect the missing items?
Despite not being required to, the delivery agent went back to the restaurant to collect the missing items because he believed it was his responsibility to ensure the customer was satisfied.
What did the delivery agent say about the Rs 20 compensation from Subway?
The delivery agent refused the Rs 20 compensation, stating, ‘God has given me so much. Why should I take this money for a mistake someone else made?’
How did the delivery agent’s job with Zomato impact his life?
Zomato gave the delivery agent a job, a chance, and a purpose. It helped keep his family alive, and he rides not just for income but to keep his daughter’s dream of studying dentistry alive.
What did Shripal Gandhi’s post on social media achieve?
Shripal Gandhi’s post went viral, drawing admiration and applause from readers. It highlighted the importance of gratitude, resilience, and hope, and praised Zomato for hiring persons with disabilities.
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