Mumbai: To commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PwD), Zomato has launched a new campaign urging customers to express gratitude to hearing-impaired delivery partners using sign language. The initiative is anchored by a heartwarming film that spotlights the everyday resilience and dedication of these partners, while highlighting how small gestures of appreciation can make a meaningful difference.
The film tells the story of Rakesh, one of over 1,000 hearing and speech-impaired delivery partners on the Zomato platform. It portrays his daily journey navigating the challenges of delivering with a hearing impairment and the disconnect that often exists between customer appreciation and his ability to receive it. The narrative culminates in a touching moment when a young customer uses sign language to thank him—guided by a simple tutorial now available on the Zomato customer app.
Speaking about the initiative, Anjalli Ravi Kumar, Chief Sustainability Officer, Eternal, said, “This campaign puts a spotlight on our PwD delivery partners, who show incredible commitment while navigating challenges unique to them. We want to empower delivery partners with disabilities not just by supporting them as they access livelihood opportunities but also through everyday moments of empathy and understanding. Even a small gesture of appreciation can make them feel a little more seen and supported.”
The campaign is part of Zomato’s ongoing mission to create dignified, accessible, and meaningful livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities. The company continues to support partners with locomotor disabilities and hearing and speech impairments through targeted sensitization initiatives and enhancements in delivery-side technology.
Current support measures for PwD delivery partners include higher earning potential per kilometer, specialized training for fleet coaches, and dedicated grievance-redressal channels tailored to their needs.
As of October 2025, Zomato has onboarded 5,000+ PwD delivery partners, including 1,000+ partners with hearing and speech impairments, reflecting its commitment to building a more inclusive and empathetic delivery ecosystem.
