Anu, city’s first woman courier professional delivers hope with her child in tow

By M.T. Yogesh Kumar

On the streets of Mysuru, a remarkable woman is rewriting the narrative of strength and motherhood. With a heavy courier bag on her back and her one-and-a-half-year-old son in tow, Anu defies the odds daily, delivering parcels while carrying the weight of life’s harsh realities. Her inspiring journey of resilience, determination and unwavering courage is a fitting tribute to International Women’s Day.

Anu, a resident of Sunnadakeri 6th Cross, has earned the distinction of being Mysuru’s first woman courier delivery professional. But her journey is not just about breaking gender barriers — it is a tale of grit and survival.

Two years ago, her mother fell critically ill, prompting Anu to borrow heavily from relatives and a private bank for medical treatment. Despite her tireless efforts, her mother could not be saved. The weight of the unpaid loans fell squarely on Anu’s shoulders.

Facing little support from her husband in repaying the debts, Anu returned to her family home with her infant son. With mounting dues and the threat of losing her house, she sought employment that would allow her to care for her child while earning a living.

Juggling motherhood and livelihood

Six months ago, in a rare gesture of compassion, a private courier company offered Anu a job delivering parcels door-to-door. In an exceptional display of support, they permitted her to bring her young son, Srivatsa, along to work.

She now moves across tens of kilometres every day on her scooter with her kid, delivering 40 – 50 parcels across neighbourhoods like Mandi Mohalla, Bamboo Bazaar, Sultan Park, Sunni Chowk, Kailaspuram and Tilaknagar.

To supplement her income, another courier company also offered her work, providing her with much-needed financial relief. For each delivery, Anu earns Rs. 14 to Rs. 15, making a daily wage of Rs. 300 to Rs. 500.

Anu’s days begin early, balancing the dual responsibility of being a mother and a delivery worker. “I drive across many kilometres every day carrying a heavy courier bag, but when life itself is a struggle, the burden of delivering couriers doesn’t seem difficult,” she told Star of Mysore in a resilient tone.

Her son, too young for a play school, accompanies her on her rounds. With no child care facilities available for children under two years old, she has no option but to carry her child in the scorching sun as she completes her delivery targets on time.

Anu, who completed her SSLC education and trained in tailoring, once worked at a garment factory. However, the job made it difficult to care for her child, and the income was insufficient to repay the mounting loan. Thus, she switched to courier work — a job that, although physically demanding, allowed her to keep her son close.

Debt, despair and hope

The loans Anu took for her mother’s treatment continue to haunt her. The private bank that sanctioned the loan against her house has twice pasted auction notices on the walls of her family home, threatening to seize the property due to unpaid EMIs.

“During my mother’s lifetime, we took a bank loan against our house. For a year, I somehow managed to pay Rs. 15,000 every month. But for the last three months, I couldn’t make the payments. Now, they are threatening to auction the house,” she reveals, her voice laced with anguish.

Yet, even in the face of such hardship, Anu remains determined. Her focus is unwavering — protecting her child’s future while battling to save her home.

“On one hand, I have to shape my son’s future. On the other, I am fighting to save the roof over our heads. I still hope for a helping hand,” she says, her eyes reflecting both sorrow and determination.

Anu’s story is a poignant reminder of the countless women who shoulder immense burdens with quiet grace. Her struggle is not just about repaying debt — it is about the fight for dignity, security and hope. On this International Women’s Day, Anu stands as a symbol of resilience, inspiring us all with her unwavering spirit.