R Madhushree was all set to move cities, when her brother found her a role that had heads turning. They still do, but Madhushree is now determined to be an example to all girls who are asked not to pursue their passions just on account of their gender. She breaks stereotypes every day as she carries out her responsibilities as a Flipkart Wishmaster. Read on to find out more about her #OneInABillion journey.
IÂ live with my mother, brother and his wife in Davangere, Karnataka. I grew up here, and I was unable to continue studying after 10th standard because there were a lot of problems at home. I took up a lot of jobs on contract, including tenders with the city corporation. I worked in each of these places for about six months each.
I was all set to move to Bengaluru because I did not find too many opportunities in Davangere. That’s when my brother found out about this role at Flipkart. Initially, my family was a bit hesitant for me to work in what was thought to be a male-dominated field. But I told myself that I would definitely give it a shot. And I have to add another advantage of my decision to stay back in Davangere – my city is best known for its dosas. I love open dosa, and I get to eat one every single day before I start working. I never get bored of it!
The first three months as a Wishmaster were hard, because I had to find my way around the city. But I had a lot of support from my team and my seniors. A couple of them came on field with me after my training, and one of them accompanied me for at least two to three weeks. He showed me the ropes, and how to align myself with the different personalities of customers.
Today, I am proud to say that I am a Flipkart Wishmaster. I love my job, and the opportunity it gives me to break stereotypes about women.
I love the financial independence my job gives me, since I am from a middle-class family. I was also able to buy myself a scooter a few months after I joined Flipkart. Initially, my family was opposed to me working as a Wishmaster. But now, when they see the joy it gives me, they don’t have problems anymore. In fact, a lot of my friends and relatives began ordering from Flipkart, because they thought ‘nam hudugi’ – our girl – works there. They are thrilled to receive Flipkart packages from me!
I also shop online – I love buying tops for myself. Davangere is a small town, and we had to go to the nearest city for most things, but now we are able to access whatever we need at our fingertips.
Over 70% of the deliveries I make are for repeat customers, but even one-and-a-half years after I have been a Wishmaster, I still encounter people who are taken aback to see a woman delivering their packages. Some of them are really nice – they offer me water or a place to rest before I continue my work.
I still remember my first Big Billion Days – it happened six months after I joined Flipkart, and everyone told me that I would quit after that. They were so sure that I would not be able to handle the number of packages. But I told myself that I should try. And what do you know? I was able to handle it! Now that I know how excited everyone gets during this part of the year, I am all set for my second BBD!
I want to be an example for girls and women who are discouraged from following opportunities that come their way just because of their gender. I follow this mantra that if you want to do something, you have to at least try it! And if you succeed, your whole perspective about life will change!
Read more inspiring #OneInABillion stories here.Â
