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Dhruv Lakra
National Award Winner from President of India, Helen Keller Awardee 40 under 40, Highest civilian award winner J&K govt
Dhruv Lakra is the Founder and CEO of Mirakle Couriers, a pioneering courier service based in Mumbai, India. Established in August 2010, Mirakle Couriers focuses on employing low-income deaf adults, aiming to integrate them into the workforce and challenge the stigma surrounding the employment of individuals with disabilities. The company has successfully executed over 300,000 shipments monthly for various e-commerce clients, demonstrating its significant impact in the logistics sector while providing meaningful employment opportunities to the deaf community.1
Background and Education
Lakra holds a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, where he was a Skoll Scholar. He also earned a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Mumbai.1
Career Highlights
Before founding Mirakle Couriers, Lakra worked as a Senior Analyst at Dasra, where he assisted non-profits in enhancing their operational efficiency, and as an Analyst in Investment Banking/Mergers and Acquisitions at Merrill Lynch, focusing on financial analyses for M&A transactions.1
Awards and Recognition
Dhruv Lakra has received numerous accolades for his contributions to social entrepreneurship and disability advocacy, including:
- National Award from the President of India
- Helen Keller Award
- Recognized in the 40 Under 40 Achievers by BW Businessworld
- Youth Leadership Award by AIESEC.1
His work not only emphasizes business success but also social responsibility, making him a notable figure in both the logistics industry and disability advocacy.
Highlights
Thank you for liking and commenting on Rinku’s post.
Another story that has left an Indelible mark on me. Mirakle Couriers started in a small 450 sq feet house in POWAI. I was told that MUMBAI has deaf clubs where deaf adults meet up regularly. I started visiting these clubs in Chembur, Ghatkopar, Vikhroli. During one of my visits I came across Sunil. His smile was radiant, there was something about him.
I gave everyone an offer to come join the company. Btw my sign was very poor, I used to keep thinking that deaf people wont understand. 4 Boys showed up. We had tea.
We invested in a small whiteboard and then we started work on Mirakle Couriers. Boys came in everyday and we decided on a stipend to be given after a month.
One day Sunil stopped coming. I called his number frantically hoping someone in his family hears the phone. Phones were not that common that time, and not everyone could afford one. Days became months, months became years. Sunil never showed up. I was heartbroken. Mirakle Couriers started getting big, we also got some small office space. Somehow I always wondered where he was.
After 4 years one day Sunil walks into office smiling. I was shocked to see him, I was happy but very upset.
I asked him why did you stop coming. He replied he didn't have money for the bus ticket as the family has no source of income.
Ghatkopar to Powai must be around Rs 10 that time. I kept staring at him for a while as I was out of words.
Have a good week.
Dhruv
Rinku joined us way back in the day and was one of the first employees we had. One day Rinku asked whether Deaf Delivery Boys will remain Delivery Boys for the rest of their lives.
[Unfortunately As a country we don't have dignity of labour but that’s for another day].
That got me thinking of up-skilling our deaf employees. We have been thinking about this for a while but we need a push from someone.
The delivery business has wafer thin margins and is notorious for attrition. We take pride in the fact that our attrition is one of the lowest, the flip side then is how do we continously engage and upskill our employees.
I told Rinku he should immediately stop delivery. Our hub incharge rose to the occasion and backed Rinku up. We were promoting him as he work was impeccable. He would now become the morning shift supervisor. All the routing, planning, rostering world be his responsibility. He has never worked on a laptop. We got him one. I can’t describe the thrill on his face seeing a laptop.
The critical piece would be the “hearing delivery boys would also report to him”. Rinku was very nervous, any mistake in the morning shift would mean delay in delivery throughout the day. Our managers were very nervous. This is partly because we also tend to slot people in pre - defined roles.
Today he is the supervisor , he gifted his brother a motorbike, and enjoys all the benefits of a full time employment. Rinku started with Rs 1500 on a part time basis in 2010. Disability my friend is in your mind, not in your attitude. And yes, he leads with an example and does delivery once a while to teach the new joiness.
At Mirakle Couriers we are making more Rinku’s everyday. Thats our mission. Dhruv
