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This delivery guy from Delhi dispatches food on skates - See pics
Mohammed Ismail Khan, a man who delivers food on skates in the National capital.
Life before pandemic
I was a skating instructor for about 10 years and earned about Rs 40,000 a month Khan told PTI, listing three schools, in Ajmeri Gate, Shahdara and Vasundhara Enclave, and some private residential localities. But the money was sufficient to take care of his family of five.
(Image credit: PTI)
Pandemic that changed everything
COVID-19 brought with it a lockdown. Outdoor activities stopped, skating classes shut down and my work stopped. Whatever savings Kan had were exhausted after a while. Then he came to know about Swiggy and joined as a delivery boy.
(Image credit: PTI)
You cant imagine how many kilometers he skates in a day
He picks up deliveries from Connaught Place, puts on his skates, and then zips towards Laxmi Nagar in east Delhi or Delhi University in the north, his two areas of operation. On average, he skates about 90-100 kilometres a day.
(Image credit: PTI)
Too much hard work too little money
The work is hard and strenuous, and brings in just about Rs 100 an hour, depending on how many deliveries he has, he said. If I work continuously for 10 hours, I earn up to Rs.800. If it is raining, we get an extra Rs 20 per delivery.
(Image credit: PTI)
Why deliver on skates
When he started off delivering food, he used a scooter that has now stopped working. Using his skates is not just cheaper but also helps in getting through traffic. Skates, Khan said, also require little maintenance.
(Image credit: PTI)
Despite difficulties there lies hope in proud Indian
I love my country. My tie is in the tricolours of saffron, white and green and so is my name on my visiting card, the 28-year-old said ahead of Independence Day, optimistic that a turnaround in his fortunes as well, just around the corner.
(Image credit: PTI)