Zomato (now Eternal) has launched a new campaign on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PwD), urging customers to express gratitude to its hearing-impaired delivery partners using simple sign language gestures. The initiative is anchored by a short film that spotlights everyday challenges faced by these partners and shows how small acts of empathy can create meaningful impact.
The initiative is designed to build sensitivity, promote more inclusive interactions and strengthen the bond between customers and delivery partners. It also reflects Zomato’s broader mission of enabling equitable livelihood opportunities for people with disabilities.
The film centres on Rakesh, one of over 1,000 hearing and speech-impaired delivery partners working with Zomato. It traces his daily experiences on the road and highlights how traditional expressions of appreciation often do not translate into a form he can fully understand. In the final moments, a young customer uses sign language to thank him—guided by a new in-app tutorial that teaches users basic signs to convey gratitude.
Speaking about the initiative, Anjalli Ravi Kumar, chief sustainability officer, *Eternal*, said, “This campaign puts a spotlight on our PwD delivery partners, who show incredible commitment while navigating challenges unique to them. We want to empower delivery partners with disabilities not just by supporting them as they access livelihood opportunities but also through everyday moments of empathy and understanding. Even a small gesture of appreciation can make them feel a little more seen and supported.”
Zomato has been working to strengthen its support framework for delivery partners with locomotor disabilities and hearing or speech impairments. Its measures include enhanced earning potential per kilometre, specialised training for fleet coaches, improved technology accessibility and dedicated grievance-redressal mechanisms. Sensitisation initiatives across customers, restaurants and logistics teams continue to be a priority.
As of October 2025, Zomato has onboarded over 5,000 PwD delivery partners, including 1,000+ partners with hearing and speech impairments, reinforcing its commitment to creating dignified, inclusive and meaningful work opportunities.
