Pics: Ranjan Shirva
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, May 6: Braving physical challenges and societal hurdles, Vijay Kumar, a differently-abled online food delivery worker, continues to lead by example with his unwavering determination and work ethic in Udupi.
Originally from Vijayapura district, Vijay Kumar has been residing in Udupi for the past one year along with his wife and two children. For over 20 months, he has been working as a delivery partner with Zomato, striving every day to support his family with dignity.
Vijay was earlier working in Bengaluru, but the city’s heavy traffic made his job increasingly difficult. Seeking a more manageable environment, he shifted to Udupi and continued his work here. “Due to traffic problems in Bengaluru, I moved to Udupi and carried on with the same job,” he said.
His daily routine is structured and demanding. He works in two shifts, from 12 pm to 3 pm and from 6 pm to 10 pm, covering areas such as Udupi, Manipal, and Katapady. On average, he completes around 15 deliveries a day. His earnings typically range between Rs 400 to Rs 500 during the afternoon and Rs 200 to Rs 300 in the evening, bringing his daily income to approximately Rs 800.
Despite his physical condition, Vijay ensures timely deliveries and adapts to different situations. “If I receive orders from apartments and there is an elevator facility, I deliver to the doorstep. If there is no such facility, I request customers to come downstairs and collect their orders,” he explained.
His journey, however, is not without hardships. Recalling a recent incident, Vijay said, “I forgot to carry my spare battery and was working with only one. It got drained while I was in Manipal. When I asked auto drivers to drop me to Udyavar, they demanded Rs 400. At that moment, a stranger helped me by pushing my vehicle from behind and ensured I reached Udupi safely.”
Vijay faces mixed reactions from society. “Some people look down on me, while others appreciate me. Many shout at me while I ride on the road, but I don’t bother about those things. I focus on my work,” he said with resilience.
At the same time, moments of kindness and appreciation motivate him to continue. Sharing one such experience, Vijay said, “I once delivered an order to an apartment using the lift. The customer told me I could have called them to come downstairs, but I explained that since the lift was working, I came up myself. They appreciated my effort and gave me a Rs 500 tip.” He added that a similar incident happened at another apartment as well.
Support from fellow delivery workers and hotel staff has also helped him navigate challenges. “In some hotels, staff bring the orders to me, while in others I go and collect them. My fellow Zomato workers and other delivery app employees support me a lot,” he noted.
For Vijay, work is not just a necessity but a source of purpose. “I enjoy working. I feel bored sitting at home. I can earn only if I work. If I sit idle, it becomes difficult to support my family,” he said.
Vijay Kumar’s journey is a powerful reminder of perseverance and self-respect, a story that highlights how determination can overcome obstacles and inspire a community.