Bengaluru-based Aakash Vinay recently ordered food from an online food delivery chain. The delivery boy reached later than expected, however, when he arrived, Aakash observed that the boy was shivering with cold. This made him empathize with such people who are forced to perform their duty, notwithstanding the weather. Through a Twitter thread, he attempted at shedding light on this situation.
People in Bengaluru, hear me out. A few days ago I ordered in and it took a while for the delivery person to make it. And no, this isn’t a complaint that I want to be addressed by Swiggy or Zomato or any of the good people there. This is an incident I want to share.
After almost an hour of waiting, he finally arrived, and when I opened the door, I felt bad that I had even considered giving him an earful for the delay. He stood there at my doorstep, shivering and barely able to hand me the package. He struggled to pull out his wallet.
You could see it that abuse for delays came his way very often, and his sheepish smile said it all. It was his hands though which told the biggest tale.
The company issued jackets sold by the lowest priced retailers didn’t help him. He shivered the whole time, but he smiled throughout. It’s one of the coldest winters Bengaluru has seen in over a decade and there are people whose livelihoods depend on being out on the streets. Food delivery partners, Cab Drivers, Dunzo Runners, and several more. Be kind to them.
If you have a shawl or a jacket that you can give away, do that. It’ll mean the world to them. If you can part ways with the Rs 20 that he owes you as change, that serves as warmth too. If you’ve been able to put a smile on his face, trust me you’ve earned yourself one too.
Zomato gives you information about the delivery person; where he’s from, what he studied, family support. And some of them aren’t too educated. Suggest that a few layers of newspaper on the inside of their jackets, over their chests, will go a long way in keeping them warm.
When the delivery person takes time to reach the restaurant, remember that part of the reason you didn’t step out to eat is the temperature. And that may be a part of the reason he chooses to ride slowly. Know that he gets absolutely NOTHING from delaying your order.
This isn’t a rant or a plea. This is just a reaction from seeing an old man shivering while handing me my dinner. God didn’t put you in the shoes you’re in because he likes you more than he likes anyone else. You got lucky. So the least we can do is be kind to those who aren’t.
And if it’s not asking too much, show some love to the animals too. Leave an old bedsheet or open a packet of biscuits on the pavement or just run your fingers down the throat of that dog that you’ve met but never made friends with. If a tail is wagged,you’re a winner. Thank you.
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