Two years ago, Thirumoorthy S hadn't heard of the eDAB (eKartians with Disabilities) initiative designed to support People with Disabilities. Today, he is a proud member of the eDAB family, delivering 90 to 100 packages to happy customers in a day. Despite being paralyzed from a spinal injury 20 years ago, Thirumoorthy's journey with Flipkart speaks of the power of inclusion, the strength of a supportive community and the human spirit's boundless potential. As he continues to support his family and fuel his dreams, Thirumoorthy truly demonstrates that if there is a will, there is a way.
In Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, each new dawn brings a whole set of Flipkart customers, old and new, for eDab Wishmaster Thirumoorthy S. As a Person with Disability, his 90 deliveries a day are not just fueled by the supplementary wheels he has gotten attached to his two-wheeler, but also by the spirit and resilience he displays.
Thirumoorthy has been a part of Flipkart’s eDAB (eKartians with Disabilities) program for over two years. Twenty years ago, an electrical mishap injured his spine, rendering him unable to walk. Now, at 44, he has a job he enjoys, an extremely supportive team and a family he proudly supports. Read on to know his story in his own words.
Up to 100 Deliveries A Day: A Concerted Effort
Working at Flipkart has been an incredible journey for me. The Wishmasters, the core team, and everyone at the hub have been exceptionally supportive, ensuring I can perform my role effectively despite not being able to walk. Every day when I arrive at the hub, my team members assist me with bagging and navigating the space.
On busy days, especially in specific areas, the number of shipments increases. Yet, I’m proud to manage 90-100 packages daily, ensuring every customer receives their order on time.
Breaking Barriers and Building Dreams as an eDAB Wishmaster
The customers, too, have been incredibly understanding. Sometimes, reaching their doorstep isn’t feasible for me. When I explain the situation over a call, most customers kindly meet me at a nearby spot to collect their parcels. Their cooperation makes my job so much easier and reinforces my belief in the goodness of people.
Of course, there are challenges, especially when interacting with new customers unfamiliar with Flipkart or the eDAB program. Occasionally, explaining my situation over the phone doesn’t immediately resonate. But when they see me in person, they quickly understand and are accommodating.
It’s all a matter of practice. When I first joined, I didn’t know anything about the eDAB program or of eDAB Wishmasters. I was scared and confused as to how this would work out for me, but over time, with everyone’s support, I was able to figure it out.
Dreams Without Limits: Embracing Every Aspiration
I have a lot of dreams. I want to see a lot of things, and do a lot of things. I still take on any electrical work I can do sitting down and am also eager to explore other functions within Flipkart.
I am the sole earner in my house and live with my parents and sister, along with her children – after her husband’s untimely passing. I am working towards my dream of building a house for all of them. I hope that people with disabilities can get more opportunities to contribute meaningfully to their families and communities. In fact, I am also rooting for more people to become eDAB Wishmasters. Three people have already joined through my referrals, and I continue to inspire more to earn dignified livelihoods. I always tell others who are apprehensive about coming and working for big companies – if I can do it, you can too.
