Veteran actor Rajinikanth recently honoured a Chennai sanitation worker for her honesty after she returned a bag containing a large quantity of gold ornaments that she found while on duty. The gesture has drawn widespread public attention and appreciation.
The sanitation worker, identified as Padma, is 48 years old and has been working in municipal sanitation services in Chennai.
Incident That Drew Attention
According to officials, Padma discovered a bag containing approximately 45 sovereigns of gold while clearing garbage near a temple area in Nagar locality in early January. The gold is estimated to be worth several lakhs of rupees.
Instead of keeping the valuables, she immediately informed local authorities and handed over the bag to the police.
Police Action and Verification
Police officials verified the contents and initiated procedures to trace the rightful owner of the gold. Padma’s role was recorded as part of the case documentation, and officials commended her for acting responsibly.
Her action was later shared widely on social media, where it attracted praise from across different sections of society.
Rajinikanth’s Gesture
After learning about the incident, Rajinikanth invited Padma to his residence and personally honoured her. During the meeting, he presented her with a gold chain as a token of appreciation for her integrity.
Photographs from the meeting showed Padma wearing her orange sanitation uniform, standing alongside the actor during the interaction.
Unverified Claims on Financial Support
Following the meeting, social media posts claimed that Rajinikanth had pledged to provide Padma with monthly financial assistance. However, no official confirmation has been issued regarding such support.
As of now, these claims remain unverified, and neither Rajinikanth nor his representatives have made any public statement confirming long-term financial assistance.
Public Reaction
The incident has been widely praised as an example of honesty and civic responsibility. Many users highlighted Padma’s integrity, noting the significance of returning such a valuable find.
A few social media users also debated the optics of the event, including Padma appearing in her work uniform during the meeting, though the focus largely remained on her action.
Broader Message
Observers noted that the episode highlights the importance of recognising everyday honesty and the role played by sanitation workers in urban life.
The incident continues to be discussed as a reminder that acts of integrity can have a wider impact when acknowledged publicly.
