A heart-touching story of Pankaj, a Swiggy delivery partner who balances food deliveries with single-handedly caring for his two-year-old daughter, has gone viral, sparking waves of admiration and calls for greater empathy towards gig workers.
The story came to light after Mayank Agarwal, a Gurugram-based CEO, shared a LinkedIn post detailing his emotional encounter with Pankaj. When Agarwal requested the delivery to be brought upstairs, he heard a child’s voice in the background. Stepping out, he discovered little Tun Tun, Pankaj’s daughter, quietly seated on his delivery bike.
Pankaj revealed that his wife passed away during childbirth, and with no one else to care for his daughter, he brings her along during his delivery runs. His son attends evening classes, leaving him alone in his dual role as provider and caregiver.
Despite enduring harsh comments from some customers like, “Sit at home if you can’t manage,” Pankaj continues with a humble smile and unwavering dedication. Agarwal described his resilience as quiet yet powerful.
The post quickly resonated across social media. Many users offered support, praising his dignity and work ethic. “This is a beautiful reminder that kindness and compassion still matter,” one user wrote. Another added, “Institutional empathy is overdue—he’s not just earning, he’s surviving with grace.”
The story highlights the often overlooked struggles of gig workers and underlines the need for supportive systems that acknowledge their realities.
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