#DeliveryWorkersDeserveRespect: Creative Head Salman Saleem Exposes Shocking Discrimination as Blinkit Delivery Agent

#DeliveryWorkersDeserveRespect: Creative Head Salman Saleem Exposes Shocking Discrimination as Blinkit Delivery Agent

New Delhi, April 20, 2025: Salman Saleem, Creative Head at The Vibes Network, recently swapped his corporate role for a day to work as a Blinkit delivery executive—an experience he says “completely changed the way he looks at work, value, and dignity.” His viral social media post has ignited a fierce debate about the invisible class barriers faced by gig workers in India’s urban landscapes .

From Boardroom to Bike: A Harsh Reality Check

Saleem, who typically leads influencer marketing campaigns, decided to step into the shoes of a delivery agent to understand the challenges firsthand. What he encountered was a stark contrast to the egalitarian ideals often preached in elite circles. “Untouchability is not only limited to caste,” he wrote. “It’s in the way society treats those who deliver its comforts.”

His day began with battling traffic, heat, and dust to meet 10-minute delivery promises. But the real shock came when he entered upscale housing societies. “I was barred from main lifts, told to use service elevators or climb four flights of stairs—all while the same residents posted about ‘equality’ on Instagram,” he revealed .

Hypocrisy of the ‘Woke’ Elite

The irony wasn’t lost on Saleem. The so-called “educated and progressive” residents who champion social justice online were the ones enforcing segregation offline. “They see a uniform and assume desperation or lack of education. Many delivery workers are students, artists, or people striving for dignity. Why should their profession define their worth?” he questioned .

A Call to Action for Companies

Saleem urged platforms like Blinkit and Zepto to launch awareness campaigns addressing this systemic bias. “These companies profit from delivery workers’ labor. It’s time they fight for their dignity too,” he argued. His post resonated widely, with netizens sharing similar stories of delivery agents being denied water, restroom access, or even basic courtesy .

Public Outcry and Solidarity

The post went viral, with hashtags like #RespectDeliveryWorkers and #EndClassBias trending. One user commented, “The loudest advocates for equality often practice it the least.” Another shared an incident where a Zepto worker was publicly shamed for using a residential lift .

The Bigger Picture

Saleem’s experiment underscores a painful truth: India’s gig economy thrives on the labor of invisible millions who are denied basic respect. “Dignity isn’t a privilege—it’s a right. Whether you wear a Blinkit t-shirt or a suit, you deserve the same lift, the same smile, the same humanity,” he concluded .

Have you witnessed such discrimination? Share your thoughts in the comments.