'I Know It's Risky To Go Out, But No Choice': A Delhi Dabbawala's Tale Of Woe During Lockdown

Ramkrishna Haldar looks a hard-working man when one sees him. The man cycles to different parts of South Delhi delivering food for lunch and dinner to houses or even offices. The effort he puts to get food delivered on time or even at short notice. Yours truly can say this for a fact, having been taking deliveries from him for the last 3 years. The fact that one can clear the bill at the end of the month helps cut down on expenses big time. But things are not looking too rosy for him during the coronavirus lockdown. This dabbawala is not a happy man and understandably so.

I bumped into him on the first day of the lockdown to ask him honestly if food would be delivered regularly. I did not want him to risk it by going out, so needed it straight if he would delivering or not, if not then I would use other means.

But the man, humble that he is, looked at me and said, "Don't worry sir, you shall not go hungry while I am there."

I did not show it on my face, but I was grateful. We arranged that he would deliver both lunch and dinner in the afternoon so as not to have to make 2 trips during the lockdown. I eat the lunch in the afternoon and in the night, heat the dinner preserved in the fridge and have my 2 staple meals for the day.

Hailing from a village in Bengal, Ramkrishna has lived in Delhi for over half his life. He puts up with his wife in Govindpuri. His wife cooks the food, and he delivers it to areas like CR Park, GK 1, GK 2, Govindpuri Extension, Kalkaji, Kalkaji Extension, to name a few. All this by cycle. His network has grown over the years as we have referred him to friends and relatives who live nearby. Food never lacks quality and the prices are pretty nominal. I mean a chicken meal at 100 bucks in Delhi? I know, right?

By his own admission he knows it is risky to go out. But he also knows it's the only way to earn.

''I know it's risky to go out, but what choice do I have?''

He is aware of people depending on him too.

"I know if I don't deliver food, many will suffer and I shall not be able to earn my livelihood," he said.

Ramkrishna and his wife have worked hard to keep this business running. Their efforts bore fruit to help their daughter graduate from college and now she is in Germany pursuing a PhD.

People like him are the real heroes during the lockdown. Risking their own safety to ensure people like us do not go hungry. Hats off to them!

When the lockdown is lifted, Ramkrishna will resume his duties properly. Right now, he is doing the best he can and I am benefiting from it as his efforts are ensuring that I do not go hungry.