Mumbai, December 30, 2025 — At a time when stories of fraud and deception dominate daily headlines, one quiet act of honesty from Pune has restored faith in human values. On December 30, 2025, the Surakshit Awards honoured Anju Mane, a waste picker from Pune, for an extraordinary display of courage and integrity that has resonated far beyond her neighbourhood.
Anju found a bag containing ₹10 lakh lying unattended on a street in Sadashiv Peth. With no one watching and every opportunity to walk away, she made a choice that would soon inspire many, she returned the money to its rightful owner without any kind of hesitation.
A Choice That Defined Character
For Anju, the decision was simple. Despite living a life of daily struggle, she refused to let temptation outweigh her values. Her act was not driven by recognition or reward, but by an unwavering sense of right and wrong.
This quiet moment of honesty became a powerful statement in a society often challenged by unethical shortcuts. It demonstrated that integrity is not defined by social status, but by personal conviction.
Voices That Echoed Her Values
The Surakshit Awards committee described Anju’s act as a powerful reminder that true security begins with trust. In an age where scams and dishonesty are increasingly common, her actions reaffirmed the belief that ethical values still hold ground in everyday life.
Anju herself remained humble while speaking about the incident. She shared that the thought of keeping the money never crossed her mind, believing it belonged to someone who must have been deeply worried. Doing the right thing, she said, was all that mattered.
Community leaders present at the ceremony called her honesty a beacon of hope, stating that Anju’s example proves that values, compassion, and responsibility continue to shape society in meaningful ways.
More Than an Award, a Social Message
The felicitation ceremony went beyond celebrating a single act. It positioned Anju Mane as a role model, reminding people that ethical behaviour does not require power, wealth, or education—only integrity.
Her story stands as a benchmark for everyday ethics, showing that even the smallest decisions can leave a lasting impact on society.
About the Surakshit Awards
The Surakshit Awards is a national initiative dedicated to recognising individuals and organisations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to security, ethics, and community trust. Established in collaboration with security professionals and corporate partners, the initiative seeks to celebrate courage in daily life, promote ethical conduct across sectors, and highlight role models who strengthen social responsibility.
Through stories like Anju Mane’s, the Surakshit Awards continues to amplify voices that inspire trust, honesty, and hope.