Anju Mane, a dedicated waste picker in Pune’s historic Sadashiv Peth, gained widespread admiration when she found a bag containing ₹10 lakh during her routine work on November 20, 2025, and returned it to its anxious owner without hesitation.

Known in the community for nearly 20 years of devoted service, Anju’s act of honesty was publicly honoured by residents with gifts and heartfelt gratitude, reinforcing the deep trust and mutual respect between Pune’s sanitation workers and its citizens.

An Act Rooted in Trust and Community Bonds

On that chilly morning between 8 and 9 a.m., Anju Mane was carrying out her daily rounds collecting waste door-to-door under Pune’s Swachh movement, which supports over 4,000 collectors serving some 40 lakh residents citywide. As she transferred garbage to a feeder point, she spotted a lost bag lying innocuously by the roadside.

Initially assuming it held medicines – a common sight in nearby homes – she safely kept the bag aside. Upon closer inspection, she was astonished to discover that alongside some medicines, the bag contained bundles of cash worth ₹10 lakh.

With an intimate knowledge of Sadashiv Peth’s residents gained from nearly 20 years of working in the area, Anju sought to find the rightful owner by asking neighbours and patrons. Soon she noticed a man visibly distressed, searching frantically nearby.

Compassionately, she approached him, offered water to soothe his nerves, and confirmed the bag was his. Without taking a single rupee, Anju handed over the bag intact. The owner and surrounding residents praised her unwavering honesty, honouring her with a saree and a cash token as tokens of their appreciation.

The Woman Behind the Upholding of Civic Honour

Anju Mane’s story is more than just an isolated incident of honesty – it is the embodiment of the trust earned over years of conscientious work. Door-to-door waste collectors in Pune are often unseen pillars of the city’s health and hygiene, working through the early hours and facing rigorous physical demands.

Their interactions with communities have evolved from transactional to relational, as exemplified by Anju, whose routine diligence made her a trusted figure in Sadashiv Peth.

Residents spoke of how such acts of integrity are rare but uplifting, rebuilding faith in people and the social contract between citizens and workers. Anju herself humbly described her principle simply: “Taking what is not ours doesn’t bring any good.”

Her honesty continues the legacy of the Swachh Pune initiative, which has humanised sanitation by integrating workers into neighbourhoods as valued members rather than invisible labour.

A Wider Lesson in Urban Dignity and Social Fabric

This incident resonates beyond Sadashiv Peth, spotlighting the vital but often underappreciated role of waste pickers in urban ecosystems. Across Pune, thousands of sanitation workers contribute daily to public health and environmental sustainability, yet their dignity and honesty frequently go unrecognised publicly.

Anju’s act challenges prevailing stereotypes, recasting sanitation workers as guardians of community trust, social cohesion, and moral clarity.

Civic authorities and urban planners recognize that the strength of a city lies not just in infrastructure but in the relationships between its people.

Highlighting ethical behaviour among frontline workers sets a positive precedent, inspiring a culture where respect, inclusivity, and integrity flourish. Proposals now circulate to formalize honours and integrate ethics-focused training to sustain this culture of accountability and pride.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

Anju Mane’s story is a powerful testament to how integrity and kindness are fundamental to peaceful coexistence and social harmony.

Her selfless act transcends economic status, reminding us that the heart of a community is strengthened not only by grand gestures but by everyday honesty and empathy.

The Logical Indian applauds such stories for inspiring empathy, social respect, and an unwavering belief in human goodness.

As cities grow and become more complex, it is essential to recognise and honour the contributions of grassroots workers who quietly sustain urban life.