Rajinikanth Honours Chennai Sanitation Worker for Returning ₹45 Lakh Worth Gold

Superstar Rajinikanth on Monday honoured S. Padma , a 48-year-old sanitation worker employed with the Greater Chennai Corporation , for her honesty in returning a bag containing 45 sovereigns of gold jewellery worth about ₹45 lakh that she found while on duty in T. Nagar last month.

Padma discovered the bag in early January while sweeping near a temple on Muthamman Koil Street and immediately handed it over to the Pondy Bazaar Police . After verification, the police traced the owner and returned the gold the same day.

The jewellery belonged to Ramesh (also known as Paramesh) , a 46-year-old jewellery trader from Nanganallur , who had accidentally left the bag on an empty pushcart while visiting a friend in the area. He realised the loss later and lodged a complaint with the police.

Recognising Padma’s integrity, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin earlier presented her with a ₹1 lakh cash reward and a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the Greater Chennai Corporation.

On February 3 , Rajinikanth invited Padma and her family to his Poes Garden residence , where he personally congratulated her. The actor gifted her a gold chain , shared a warm interaction with the family, and posed for photographs. Rajinikanth’s fans also contributed ₹25,000 on his behalf. According to sources, the actor has also pledged monthly financial assistance of ₹10,000 to support her family.

Padma, a contract worker earning around ₹650 a day , has also received special recognition from the Department of Posts, Tamil Nadu Circle , which released a ‘My Stamp’ postal cover featuring her photograph. The department, along with India Post Payments Bank , provided her with a ₹15 lakh personal accident insurance cover , opened a fixed deposit , and facilitated a premium savings bank account .

Padma’s act has drawn widespread praise, with many hailing her as an example of integrity and public service.