It doesn’t take much to be kind to the delivery worker. (Photo: iStock)
The searing temperature gripping various parts of India is brutal, to say the least. Summer is especially tough for delivery workers or riders, who bring parcels to our doorsteps, often climbing multiple floors to deliver a single parcel. Ordering food or even the smallest basic item online has become common. While we stay comfortable in our air-conditioned homes, delivery workers run around all day to ensure our orders arrive on time. The harsh weather is a reminder to be kind to those without the privilege to stay indoors as the mercury soars. One basic act of kindness is to offer them water.
@DPrasanthNair, a user on X (formerly Twitter), wrote, “In this heat wave, some things we can do to help: 1) Please offer water to any delivery person/courier person who comes to your house. 2) Keep water outside your home for birds. 3) Advise anyone stepping out in the afternoon to have water and avoid aerated drinks.”
Another user on X, @KaurazyGirl, wrote, “Offer your food delivery boy a glass of water when he comes to deliver your food in the scorching heat. Tried and tested, 4 out of 5 won’t just say yes but will ask if you’d refill their disposable water bottle.”
Shubha Sinha, a resident of Delhi-NCR, keeps an earthen water pot with a tap outside her flat and at the gate of her residential building. She fills it with drinking water every day. “Anyone can drink from these. I cannot even step out for 5 minutes in this heat. Imagine someone delivering orders in this weather. It’s the least we can do.”
And, don’t forget to thank them for their services.