The food delivery industry has seen remarkable growth over the past few years, with platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, and Uber Eats making meal delivery as simple as a few clicks. However, the success of these businesses often comes at the expense of their delivery workers, who face tough conditions and low wages. A recent LinkedIn post by a Delhi man shed light on this harsh reality, sparking widespread discussion and even prompting a response from Zomato.
The Story of Shiva Sarkar: A Delivery Agent’s Struggles
Late one evening, Delhi resident Himanshu Bohra ordered food through Zomato. When the delivery agent, a young man named Shiva Sarkar, arrived, his story left Himanshu deeply moved. Shiva, in his early twenties, works tirelessly through the night to support his family after losing his father.
Moved by the young man’s dedication, Himanshu invited him inside, offered him water, and listened as Shiva shared his challenges. Himanshu’s LinkedIn post, titled The Story of Shiva Sarkar, highlighted the struggles of many delivery agents who sacrifice education and dreams to support their families.
In the post, Himanshu also made a heartfelt appeal to Zomato’s CEO, Deepinder Goyal, urging the company to introduce scholarships and programs for delivery personnel to help improve their lives.
Zomato’s Response to the Viral Story
With Shiva’s permission, Himanshu shared a photo of him in his post, which quickly went viral. Recognizing the impact of the story, Zomato responded promptly.
In their reply, Zomato said:
“Hey Himanshu, thanks for bringing this to our attention. This looks quite inspirational, and we are proud of our delivery universe. If possible, kindly help us with the order ID via a private message so that we can express your appreciation to our delivery partner.”
Public Reaction to the Story
The story of Shiva struck a chord with many. Some people came forward offering help, while others praised Himanshu’s suggestion to improve conditions for delivery workers. However, the post also sparked a broader debate about the realities of the industry.
Many highlighted the systemic challenges faced by delivery agents, while others expressed skepticism about expecting major corporations to address these issues meaningfully.
A Call for Change
Himanshu’s story and suggestions have brought much-needed attention to the struggles of delivery workers like Shiva. It has opened a conversation about the role of companies and society in supporting the individuals who form the backbone of the gig economy.
What are your thoughts on Himanshu’s suggestions and Zomato’s response? Share your opinions in the comments section below.
