Image Source: The Logical Indian
Padma, a sanitation worker in Chennai, recently found a bag containing 45 sovereigns of gold jewellery worth nearly ₹45 lakh while on duty. Instead of keeping it, she handed it over to the police. Her honesty has earned widespread praise, highlighting integrity and humility in everyday life.
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Key Highlights
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Discovery of Gold: On January 12, 2026, Padma, a sanitation worker with the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), discovered a box while cleaning near T Nagar. Initially mistaking it for food, she realized it contained gold ornaments worth lakhs.
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Act of Honesty: Padma and her husband immediately decided to hand over the jewellery to the police. The ornaments were later traced back to a jewellery trader who had accidentally left them behind.
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Public Recognition: Her honesty drew admiration across Chennai. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin personally felicitated Padma, praising her integrity and setting an example for civic responsibility.
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Life of Simplicity: Despite the limelight, Padma continues her humble routine in Triplicane. Living in a modest one-room home, she expressed nervousness at the attention but remained proud of doing the right thing.
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Community Impact: Neighbours and civic officials lauded her decision, noting that her act of honesty reinforces trust in public service workers and inspires others to uphold values of integrity.
Why It Matters
Padma’s story is more than a tale of honesty—it reflects the power of integrity in everyday life. In a time when material temptations are high, her decision to return the gold underscores the importance of ethical choices, humility, and civic responsibility. It also highlights the dignity of sanitation workers, whose contributions often go unnoticed.
Sources: The Hindu, Times Now, Express News Service
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