From Debt to Financial Stability: Mangaluru based Delivery Partner Finds Hope on the Road

For some, delivering food is just a job. But for Melwyn D’Souza, becoming a delivery partner bailed him out of  a financial crisis.

Melwyn once led a simple life and as the elder son, he proudly shouldered family responsibilities. Melwyn’s mother was recovering from a stroke and required constant medical care, and he was also financially supporting his younger brother’s education. While circumstances were difficult, Melwyn was living a content life, grateful that he could take care of his family and contribute financially. “I was a happy go lucky guy, braving every difficult situation. I never got bogged down.” he recalls.

However, everything changed when a close friend’s betrayal left him with a substantial debt. This was a huge financial setback for Melwyn and added to his already difficult circumstances. “I couldn't believe it. My friend ran away with the money and I was left stranded without financial support.” Melwyn said. “But, I couldn't run away. I knew my family still depended on me. I knew I had to work harder to manage it all.”

Over the next few years, Melwyn took on different jobs, working as a cashier at a college and even opening a fast-food restaurant. While these efforts kept him afloat, neither provided enough to cover the mounting expenses of medical care and education for his family, and the loan repayment, which had grown to almost Rs 20 lakh with interest.

Seeking a higher yet steady income, Melwyn joined Swiggy in 2018 and has been working with the platform ever since.“I went to a Swiggy hiring drive with very low expectations, as I never imagined delivery work could pay so well. Looking back, it’s hard to believe how far I have come. I have almost cleared my debt and also invested in two bikes.” he shared.

Apart from the financial independence, the biggest blessing for Melwyn has been the ability to take care of his mother. “Though she is recovering well, she has trouble walking and needs to take medicines twice a day. Working with Swiggy gives me the flexibility to go home and take care of her during the day.”

Feeling hopeful about the future, Melwyn shared that the past five years were spent repaying his loan, and he feels his life has just begun. He is excited about the future and looks forward to living a happy and peaceful life.