Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (VP)
Mangaluru, Jun 3: From poverty and disability to financial independence, this is the story of Parashuram Madivalappa Agsar, who has been working as a food delivery partner despite his disability.
Parashuram, speaking about his early life, said, "My family is from Bijapur, and my parents left there around 30 years ago. I have six siblings, and I'm the eldest. This disability afflicted me when I was 2 years old. My parents were working in construction in Goa when I fell ill, and the doctor gave me a polio dose. By the time my parents found out, it was too late. After that, we lived in a kutcha house in the Baikampady industrial area.
"My father used to consume alcohol, and my mother was the sole breadwinner. I had to take care of my siblings, although my mother always supported me in studying. However, going to school was a huge difficulty for me because of my disability. Climbing the bus was a major challenge. Sometimes my parents or my brothers had to lift me and drop me inside the bus. Later, I got a three-wheeler cycle from school, but the terrain was such that I needed my brothers' support to ride it. Our family situation was so bad that I had to beg for money on the roads, and during that time, I lost attendance at school. Whenever I did go to school, my teachers would ask me about those things, causing me discomfort.
"After completing my 9th standard, I completely quit my education. My parents managed to get me a job, where I was appointed to look over a vacant property near Lady Hill. Later, even the property got sold, which left me unemployed again. At that time, I had seen Swiggy and Zomato delivery partners delivering food, and I felt that I could do this job. I received a three-wheeler scooter from the government, and after that, I contacted some Swiggy partners to ask about their job. I got some contacts and went to the Swiggy office in Mangaluru, where I received a job immediately. I worked at Swiggy for two years.
"I would usually get somewhere around Rs 300-400, apart from petrol charges. The experience was completely different; I had no idea about some areas, and the job was challenging in the beginning. Sometimes I faced difficulty when there were no lifts, and some customers demanded that I come up the stairs. Sometimes I would call them and explain my situation. Some would scold me, but the majority would come down to collect their parcel. Later, I became ill, and it was difficult for me to drive for long hours. I used to get around Rs 20 per order. Then I contacted Zomato agents, and they said they were paid around Rs 45 per order. After that, I joined Zomato full-time," he said.
"Till now, my experience with Swiggy and Zomato has been good. The hoteliers have been very cooperative with me, and things started to get better in my life. My younger brothers also started working. In Zomato, if I log in at 10 am, I get my first order at 1 pm; this sometimes causes concern, but considering where I came from, I feel that this difficulty can be managed. I am gaining praise from my colleagues and managers for working hard. I believe that if we have dedication towards any job, no matter how difficult the situation is, we will ultimately find success,” he concluded.